The MP for Weston-super-Mare, Dan Aldridge, has joined a coalition of over two dozen MPs in urging the government to reduce VAT on hospitality from 20%. In an open letter to Chancellor Rachel Reeves ahead of the upcoming budget, the group pleads for an emergency VAT cut to ease the financial strain on struggling businesses.
The letter highlights a nationwide crisis affecting hospitality and tourism—from rural pubs to city restaurants—citing consistently rising costs and heavy taxes as key obstacles to investment, job creation, and local high street recovery.
Aldridge, who made history last year as Weston’s first Labour MP, emphasized the sector’s importance: “From our seaside cafes to community pubs, hospitality is the lifeblood of Weston’s economy. But with soaring costs, staff shortages, and unfair tax burdens, many businesses are on the brink.”
READ MORE: Somerset Council Staff Defend Pay Review Amid Transformation Efforts
READ MORE: Live: Lane Closure on M5 in Somerset Following Crash
His concerns come amid troubling news that North Somerset loses a licensed premise every two weeks. John Crockford-Hawley, chair of the council’s licensing committee, pointed out the growing expense of going out: “People are opting to drink at home and only going out for a brief drink.”
Weston has also seen the closure of cherished businesses this year, including the closure of iconic seafront fish and chip shop Winston’s and The Bay Café, shuttered during renovations of the Tropicana building.
Aldridge, co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Hospitality and Tourism, added: “My role on the Business and Trade Committee drives my commitment to ensuring towns like Weston have their voices heard in Westminster. Hospitality isn’t just a commercial sector; it’s a powerful engine for jobs, skills, and growth across the UK.”
He concluded, “Supporting hospitality is vital not only for business survival but for the future prosperity of our community and town.”
The letter also gained cross-party support, signed by Yeovil MP Adam Dance and Somerton and Frome MP Sarah Dyke, both Liberal Democrats, underscoring the broad consensus on the issue.