Hospitality sector needs support to not only survive, but thrive

EARLIER this month I got picked to ask a question at Prime Minister’s Questions. Since being elected I have been clear I won’t waste chances to ask a question simply to score party political points.

I picked a subject which has been regularly raised with me over recent months – the pressures on local tourism businesses, including rising energy prices and business rates bills, this being timely given the autumn statement was due the next day. The answer from the deputy PM was brief, yet helped set the scene for a short debate I secured in Parliament on support for the tourism industry in Devon and Cornwall.

The last three years has seen unprecedented challenges face our iconic industry, yet also seen a level of private sector investment in new hotels we could only have dreamt about over the decades beforehand. As we look ahead to 2023 it is vital the hospitality sector receives the support it needs not only to survive, but to thrive.

Autumn Statement

This month the Chancellor gave his autumn statement to MPs.

Surging costs of energy and food on international markets have impacted on prices here in the UK, with inflation running at 40-year highs, presenting significant challenges for the public finances. This meant the statement was never going to be full of giveaways and positive news, but the overall package does appear to balance ensuring stable public finances with supporting families facing rising bills. It also deals with some of the pressing problems caused by rapidly rising energy prices and recognised the need to support our hospitality sector.

I was also pleased to note some of the points I raised beforehand were reflected, including respecting the state pension triple lock, the impact of business rates on hospitality businesses and a commitment to deliver the up to £350 million health infrastructure plan for Torbay Hospital.

Alcohol

The annual report of Torbay’s public health director was published last week, giving a picture of Torbay’s relationship with alcohol.

While many residents, including me, enjoy a few drinks socially, other aspects of our bay’s relationship with alcohol are of real concern. For example, the report outlines the proportion of children permanently excluded from school due to drug or alcohol use in Torbay is much higher than the national average.

I will be working with local stakeholders to look at how I can support efforts to tackle this issue and what it would be useful for me to raise with ministerial colleagues as part of tackling the unsocial side of alcohol consumption in our bay.

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> Tourism businesses are under pressure, says MP Kevin Foster