Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP, has announced a much-needed boost for tourism and hospitality businesses in High Peak, as part of his Summer Economic Update to kickstart the economy post-Coronavirus.

Up to 560 businesses in the High Peak could stand to benefit. 

High Peak MP Robert Largan has welcomed the measures, which will see VAT for hospitality, accommodation and attraction businesses cut from 20 per cent to 5 per cent for six months.

The move is designed to support the sectors which have been particularly hard hit by the Coronavirus crisis, helping businesses to recover and boosting the number of jobs across the country. 

Robert has also urged local people to eat out to help out, following the announcement that the Government will pay for up to 50 per cent of people’s meals at restaurants, pubs and cafés on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout August. 

The Eat Out to Help Out scheme will entitle everyone to a discount of up to 50 per cent on their meal, up to a maximum of £10 per person. Businesses can claim the money back from the Government, which will be paid within five working days.

Up to 315 businesses in the High Peak could benefit from the scheme. 

Taken together, these measures will provide a timely and much-needed boost to the tourism and hospitality industries in the High Peak, forming a key part of the Government’s ‘plan for jobs’: supporting people to find jobs, creating new jobs and protecting jobs in hard-hit sectors.

Robert Largan commented:

“We should not underestimate how difficult these past months have been for so many businesses in the High Peak. Now that the virus is being brought under control, the Government must turn its attention to creating and protecting jobs. 

“I hope that everyone in the High Peak will answer the call to Eat Out to Help Out. This fantastic new voucher scheme, along with the cut in VAT, is a much-needed lifeline for many hospitality businesses.

“I look forward to visiting some of my favourite local restaurants soon!”