Question reference: S6W-23556
- Asked by: Mercedes Villalba, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 7 December 2023
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Current status: Answered by Richard Lochhead on 13 December 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what measures it has considered in relation to providing additional support to the hospitality sector in the current financial year.
Answer
The Scottish Government is committed to supporting the hospitality and night-time industry, having been the hardest hit of all sectors from the Covid-19 pandemic and cost crises.
The Scottish Budget 2023-24 ensures the lowest poundage in the UK for the fifth year in a row and supports a package of rates relief worth an estimated £749 million, including the Small Business Bonus Scheme. Around half of properties in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors are eligible for 100% relief this financial year. Decisions on non-domestic rates for 2024-25 will be made as part of the Scottish Budget, which will be published on 19 December.
The Scottish Government is also supporting the sector through the Tourism and Hospitality Industry Leadership Group and through the New Deal for Business Group. In addition, the Town Centre Action Plan aims to revitalise our towns and town centres, which contributes to supporting the night-time economy.
Our recent request of the UK Government for a reduced rate of VAT for the hospitality sector was rejected.