The Chancellor has unveiled a much-needed boost for tourism and hospitality businesses in Wealden, as part of his Summer Economic Update to kickstart the economy post-coronavirus.
Nus Ghani, MP for Wealden has welcomed the measures, which will see VAT for hospitality, accommodation and attraction businesses cut from 20% to 5% for six months. The move is designed to support the sectors which have been hit particularly hard by the coronavirus crisis, helping businesses to recover and boosting the number of jobs across the country. Up to 610 businesses in Wealden could benefit from the measures.
Additionally, the Government will partially substitute the price of people’s meals out at restaurants, pubs and cafes with The Eat Out to Help Out scheme.
The scheme will entitle everyone to a discount of up to 50% on their meal, up to a maximum of £10 per person, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout August. Businesses can claim the money back from the Government, which will be paid within five working days. Up to 225 businesses in Wealden could benefit from this scheme.
Nus Ghani said: “The recent months have been incredibly challenging for businesses across Wealden. Tourism and hospitality sectors are at the heart of our local economy and these measures will provide a timely and much-needed boost. This unprecedented plan will support people to find jobs, as well as create new jobs and protect jobs in hard-hit sectors.”
“I hope that everyone in Wealden will answer the call to Eat Out to Help Out. This fantastic new voucher scheme, along with the cut in VAT, is the much-needed lifeline many businesses have been calling for.”
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