The King has outlined the Government's legislative plans for the year ahead, in the State Opening of Parliament.
There are several Bills that will be brought forward during the next year that are relevant to hospitality, particularly concerning planning, Apprenticeship Levy reform and employment rights.
Detailed information from the Government about all the Bills announced can be read here.
Our response
Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, said: “The next session of Parliament will be essential in kickstarting the growth needed to achieve the Government’s objectives.
“It’s positive to see significant measures announced today that can help hospitality achieve its growth potential of 6% a year.
“With Bills addressing Apprenticeship Levy reform and improvement of the planning system, I’m pleased that key asks of UKHospitality are being delivered on and that our concerns have been heard loud and clear by the new Government.
“With no mention of business rates in today’s King’s Speech, the autumn fiscal statement is now all the more important to drive the Government’s plan for national renewal and to show clear progress on delivering its manifesto commitment to fix the broken business rates system.
“Particularly as businesses are facing an end to 75% rate relief next April if action isn’t taken.”
Key areas for hospitality
Kate Nicholls, our Chief Executive, has responded individually to four of the most important Bills announced today:
"It’s pleasing to hear that the Government will deliver much-needed reform of the Apprenticeship Levy, a priority for hospitality businesses for years.
"Flexibility on how to spend funds through a new Growth and Skills Levy will greatly enhance training opportunities, as well as free up funding to support rollout of our successful skills pilot to help those unemployed into roles in hospitality."
"Planning approvals have been in freefall since 2013 and has been one of the major barriers to business growth. I’m pleased to see the inclusion of this Bill to reform the system, putting growth at its heart.
"A new system that delivers faster decisions can drive business expansion, create more homes and develop local infrastructure – all critical elements to regenerating of our towns and cities."
"As a sector that provides jobs and opportunities for everyone across the country, hospitality businesses are passionate about how to make those jobs work for everyone.
"Working mums, carers or students who are juggling jobs and busy lives every week want and need flexibility, and we want hospitality to remain the job of choice for them.
"We’ve been pleased to work with Labour on its proposals and look forward to continuing that productive dialogue during the passage of this Bill."
"UKHospitality has worked extensively with the Government in developing Martyn’s Law and working on a flexible approach that allows venues in the ‘standard’ tier to create bespoke plans.
"I’m pleased to see Martyn’s Law included in the Government’s plans and look forward to continuing our work with the Home Office. Hospitality businesses stand ready to deliver their role in achieving the aims of this legislation; to keep our staff and customers safe."
