A much-needed boost for tourism and hospitality businesses across Faversham and Mid Kent has been announced by the Government.
I am very pleased that up to 440 local businesses will benefit from a VAT cut, whilst up to 185 of our favourite places to eat across the area will benefit from the new Eat Out to Help Out voucher scheme, offering customers up to 50% off their meal. This is the lifeline that many tourism and hospitality businesses need.
I know that the last few months have been extremely challenging for many businesses across Faversham and Mid Kent. Now that the virus is coming under control, it’s important to focus on creating and protecting jobs.
VAT for hospitality, accommodation and attraction businesses is to be cut from 20% to 5% for six months. Up to 440 businesses could stand to benefit from these measures in Faversham and Mid Kent. The tourism industry is extremely important locally, providing 67,000 jobs and contributing over £1.4 billion to the Kent economy.
The Government has also announced that it will pay for up to 50% of people’s meals out at restaurants, pubs and cafes on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout August. The Eat Out to Help Out scheme will entitle customers to a discount of up to a maximum of £10 per person. Businesses can claim the money back from the Government, which will be paid swiftly, in five working days. Up to 185 eateries across Faversham and Mid Kent stand to benefit.
I hope that many will be able to take advantage of this fantastic voucher scheme, supporting local eating spots. This, along with the cut in VAT, offers the real boost that so many need of our businesses need.
