The campaign is calling on the Government to reduce VAT for the hospitality sector from 20% to 10%, helping pubs, cafés, restaurants, hotels and other businesses facing increasing financial pressures.
In supporting the campaign, the Council has also welcomed Harrogate BID’s decision to promote it locally, recognising the BID’s continued work in supporting Harrogate’s town centre and business community.
As part of its decision, the Town Council has agreed to write to Dan Tomlinson, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, urging the Government to give serious consideration to the proposal.
The Council also hopes that Andy Burnham, who is widely expected to become the country’s next Prime Minister, will champion the issue nationally and recognise the importance of hospitality to local economies across the UK.
Harrogate’s visitor economy contributes more than £425 million every year and supports thousands of local jobs, making hospitality one of the town’s most important sectors.
Paula Stott, Central Ward Councillor where so many of the town’s bars, hotels, pubs and restaurants are located, said:
“Harrogate’s cafés, pubs, restaurants and hotels help define our town and play an enormous role in supporting the local economy. We’re pleased to support this important national campaign and to stand alongside Harrogate BID as it encourages local businesses and the public to get involved.
We hope the Government will listen to the concerns being raised across the hospitality sector and consider measures that will help businesses continue to invest, employ local people and keep our town centres thriving.”
The Council encourages residents, businesses and visitors to support the campaign by signing the national petition.
Find out more and add your name to the campaign at: