News / Press release / Business operations

West Midlands Nighttime Economy Report – our response

May 28, 2026

The report recommends the need for national fiscal reform to support hospitality and local steps to improve licensing, planning and transport.

The Mayor of West Midlands Night-Time Economy Commission Report puts forward several recommendations for a thriving nightlife in the region, including:

1
Creation of a permanent West Midlands nighttime economy steering group.
2
Encouraging and support all West Midlands Combined Authority local authorities to develop nighttime economy strategies.
3
Lobby for national fiscal reform, with VAT, business rates and NICs all identified.
4
Expand public transport provision at night.

UKHospitality was a member of the Commission, helping to develop the recommendations.

Our response

Kate Nicholls, Chair of UKHospitality, said: “I’m pleased that the West Midlands has taken such a strategic and collaborative approach to the nighttime economy, and I thank both the Mayor and Dr Chris Burden for their efforts.

“This is an ambitious but realistic plan to deliver for the nighttime economy in the region. It’s clear that a mix of local and national measures are needed to deliver the thriving sector we want to see, so everyone has a part to play here.

“I’m particularly pleased to see the report recommend the need for national fiscal reform, with VAT, business rates and NICs all identified as contributing to high operating costs for the sector.

“In the region, the recommendations to take a more proactive approach to licensing and planning, encouraging all local authorities to have a nighttime economy strategy and improving transport provision to support our staff are all very positive.

“I look forward to working with the Mayor to deliver these recommendations, and I hope other Mayoral authorities will follow suit in implementing a similar approach to support the high street, hospitality and nighttime economy.”