Blackpool hoteliers back calls for hospitality minister to be appointed

A debate in Westminster took place on Monday after around 206,000 people nationally signed a petition calling for the sector – one of the hardest hit by the Covid pandemic – to be better represented.

Hoteliers group StayBlackpool said almost 700 signatures had been collected across the two parliamentary constituencies in the resort.

The debate culminated in unanimous support for the aims of the petition which it is hoped will persuade Prime Minister Boris Johnson to appoint a minister for hospitality.

Ian White, a director of StayBlackpool, said: “With hospitality such a massive yet diverse part of Blackpool’s economy, any debate can only be positive.

“Over the two Blackpool constituencies, nearly 700 supported a call for a dedicated hospitality minister to give a clear and strong voice for a sector divided between two government departments.

“Despite no immediate announcements, StayBlackpool will continue fighting for its members through our many contacts as well as representation in Blackpool’s Tourism Recovery group.”

Responsibility for hospitality in government is currently split between the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Paul Scully, minister for small business, consumers and labour markets, who represented the government at the debate, said there was “close collaboration” between the two departments.

He added: “Whether or not we have a dedicated minister for hospitality, we need to ensure that the sector is in the best possible place to bounce back from Covid-19, so that it can play a leading role in the UK’s economic and social recovery.”

Mr White added StayBlackpool would also continue to support its members “during the anxious weeks ahead towards reopening to whatever degree is allowed.”

He said: “Our members with bigger hotels will be more desperate for suitable notice to allow safe restocking of perishable food items, as well as all other required planning and preparations.”

StayBlackpool is also calling for the five per cent vat rate for hospitality, introduced to help businesses during the pandemic, to be extended.

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