MP Anthony Mangnall is calling on the hospitality industry to be given the support it needs to recover after the Covid-19 pandemic.
A petition arrived at the House of Commons on January 11 calling for the creation of a Minister for Hospitality in UK Government, following the petition gaining more than 200,000 signatures – including over 320 from the Totnes constituency.
Mr Mangnall, MP for Totnes and South Devon, had hoped to have the opportunity to speak in this debate given the prevalence of this industry across the region. However, owing to Coronavirus restrictions, he was unable to do so.
In December, Mr Mangnall emailed tourism and hospitality businesses across the constituency requesting their participation in a short survey he had put together.
The survey was aimed at compiling feedback on the Governments support for their industry since March 2020, as well as gaining an insight into what further steps they feel should be taken.
Anthony has written to the Chancellor outlining the key findings of the survey in the hope that they will be taken into consideration at the Spring Spending Review.
Tourism and hospitality are a key part of South Devon’s local economy and nationally employ close to three million people.
It is essential that these sectors see the support they need to recover post pandemic, said Mr Mangnall.
He said: ‘’Since the start of the pandemic, I have been working closely with this industry that plays such a vital role in South Devon.
“I lead the campaign to lower the rate of VAT to five per cent and to then have it extended and I continue to push for further support for these two sectors.
“The findings of the survey have identified both positive and negative aspects to the support available and I am working to see what further action we can take to help those individuals and businesses through this difficult time.
“The Chancellor has received my letter regarding the tourism and hospitality sector, and I hope the points raised will be taken into account in the Spring Spending Review.’’
