AQW 44202/22-27

Ms Connie Egan
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 17/04/2026
Answered On Date: 28/04/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any representations she has made to the UK Government around cutting VAT for hospitality businesses.

Answer:

I am acutely aware of and share the concerns of our local hospitality businesses around the current VAT rate. I also understand the need for urgent action given that VAT in the South will fall to 9% in the summer for the sector.

I have met with representatives from Hospitality Ulster and the Food to Go Association to discuss their proposals for a reduced VAT pilot scheme. Since that meeting, I, along with the Minister of Finance, have written to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury to request an early meeting to discuss a reduced VAT pilot for our hospitality sector.

While no response has been received to date, I will continue to advocate for a fairer tax regime for our local businesses.