Island MP Welcomes New Government Support For Hospitality Sector

Isle of Wight West MP Richard Quigley has welcomed the Government’s announcement of major new support for the hospitality sector, describing it as a sign that Ministers are “listening and engaging honestly”.

Mr Quigley, who owns a small hospitality business on the Isle of Wight, has been a long-standing advocate for pubs, venues and small hospitality operators.

His work was recognised in Parliament, where the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury praised him from the despatch box as a “relentless advocate for businesses in his constituency”, crediting his constructive approach with helping to shape the measures announced.

Under the new package, pubs across the country will benefit from a 15 per cent reduction in business rates from April, alongside a two-year freeze on bills.

Treasury figures suggest this will cut the average pub’s business rates bill by around £1,650 next year, with three-quarters of pubs seeing their bills remain the same or fall.

The relief will be awarded by local authorities, using Government guidance to ensure the support is targeted at pubs and hospitality venues as intended.

Highlighting Richard Quigley’s involvement, the Exchequer Secretary said his engagement on behalf of local businesses represented the positive side of politics and the kind of constructive work that often goes unreported.

Richard Quigley MP said he was pleased Ministers had listened to concerns raised by businesses on the Island and beyond.

“When I first heard about the double business rate whammy facing pubs from businesses in my constituency, I was forthcoming with these concerns and I’m so pleased to have been met with honest and constructive engagement,” he said.

“This is honest engagement at its best: the Government hearing the challenges our hospitality sector faces and responding with meaningful action.

"I will continue to champion the interests of local businesses to ensure they get the support they need to thrive.”

Andy Spencer, Chief Executive of Punch Pubs & Co, which operates six pubs on the Isle of Wight, also welcomed the announcement.

He said:

“We welcome the Government’s decision to address the proposed rise in business rates for pubs with a specific support package, and it is right that the strength of feeling across the sector has been recognised.

“Our pubs are at the heart of communities up and down the country, delivering significant socio-economic value. For too long they have shouldered a disproportionate and deeply unfair tax burden that has threatened their long-term sustainability.

“Today’s announcement is a necessary correction, not a complete solution, and we will continue to work with the Government and our trade associations to achieve meaningful, long-term reform of the business rates system.”