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<p>I am writing to you as a constituent and as someone concerned about the future of our local hospitality and night time economy businesses.</p> <p>Across the UK, and here in our own constituency, venues that provide employment, cultural value and social infrastructure are facing sustained and unprecedented pressure. The latest Night Time Economy Market Monitor (February 2026) highlights a continued structural decline in the late-night sector, with venue numbers falling by 4.1% in the past year alone and now standing more than 28% below pre-pandemic levels.</p> <p>The data shows that while parts of the evening economy have shown modest growth (+0.9%), late-night bars and nightclubs continue to contract, with late-night bar numbers down 4.9% and nightclubs down 3.5% year-on-year . Employment across the night time economy remains significant, supporting over 2 million jobs nationally, yet recent years have seen substantial job losses as businesses struggle under rising costs and falling real-terms consumer spending.</p> <p>Read our Recent Report: <a href="https://storage.googleapis.com/ntia-hosted-pdfs/cga-night-time-economy-market-monitor-feb-26.pdf.pdf" target="_blank">Night Time Market Monitor</a></p> <p>Research and economic modelling conducted by Bournemouth University further demonstrates that targeted fiscal intervention, particularly a reduction in VAT for hospitality &amp; Night Time economy would deliver measurable economic stimulus. Their modelling shows that a VAT cut would not only provide immediate relief to struggling businesses, but also stimulate demand, protect jobs, and generate longer-term tax returns through increased economic activity. A VAT cut in line with Europe to 13% is a logical and fair way forward for the industry.</p> <p>Read More on How this is possible: <a href="https://storage.googleapis.com/ntia-hosted-pdfs/Research-Economic-Modelling-Bournemouth-University.pdf" target="_blank">Research &amp; Economic Modelling (Bournemouth University)</a></p> <p>The night time economy is not simply about entertainment; it is a critical part of our high streets, tourism offer, youth employment pipeline, and wider cultural economy. Without meaningful intervention, we risk further closures, job losses, and the hollowing out of our town and city centres.</p> <p>I therefore respectfully ask that you:</p> <ul> <li>Write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer calling for a targeted reduction in VAT for hospitality and night time economy businesses.</li> <li>Raise the findings of both the Bournemouth University modelling and the Night Time Economy Market Monitor within Parliament.</li> <li>Support measures that address the structural cost pressures facing the sector, including labour costs and business rates.</li> </ul> <p>A temporary VAT reduction, with a Parliamentary review mechanism to make permanent following the success of the measure would not only provide immediate breathing space to otherwise viable businesses and help stabilise a sector that contributes billions in economic output and supports millions of livelihoods it would also drive growth, lower inflation and bring down unemployment.</p> <p>I would greatly appreciate your support on this issue and would welcome the opportunity to hear your views on how you would like to see the Government safeguard the future of our local night time economy.</p> <p>Thank you for your time and representation.</p> <p>Yours sincerely,</p>

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