Norfolk small businesses want next Government to cut VAT for hospitality
Those wanting to vote in this General Election will need to make sure they're registered by the end of Tuesday the 18th of June
Last updated 24th May 2024
Three small business owners in Norfolk are telling us the next Government needs to cut VAT rates for hospitality and better support the sector.
It comes as day two of campaigning from all the political parties is underway- ahead of when voters go to the polls on July the 4th, which is in less than six weeks times.
"Every week we hear of an independent pub being taken over"
Sarah Saunders owns Black Shuck Gin, based in Fakenham:
"It's good to see that the economy is beginning to recover. But it will take a while for the benefits of inflation falling to reach the grassroots. For some small businesses this will frankly be too late, every week we hear of an independent pub being taken over by a national chain-group".
"Really tough to now make enough money to support it"
Eric Snaith owns a hotel and food businesses near Titchwell:
"If it's not a VAT cut for hospitality cut, there needs to be something to help release the financial pressures we're under. We've all just done this minimum wage increase and it's really tough to now make enough money to support it".
"Food inflation still remains high"
David Holliday is the owner of Moon Gazer Ales based in Hindringham
"The impact is still there and while the headline figure of inflation has come down, food inflation still remains high and we're still getting supplier-led increase onto our materials and energy costs. Our energy costs are still running three to four times above what they were two years ago"
What happens next?
Political parties will now be busy trying to convince people across Norfolk and beyond to vote for their candidates on Polling Day, (4th July).
Those wanting to vote in this General Election will need to make sure they're registered by the end of Tuesday the 18th of June.