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I am writing to you as both a concerned constituent and a dedicated member of the hospitality, night-time economy, and events industry. I feel it is crucial to bring to your attention the dire situation our sector faces, especially in light of the alarming number of businesses that have been lost over the past 12 months. Without immediate support, we are at risk of losing even more businesses in the coming months. It is disheartening to note that we have witnessed a significant decline in our industry, with over 6,000 businesses shutting their doors in the last year alone. This represents a devastating blow to our economy and the livelihoods of countless individuals who rely on these businesses for their income. Particularly troubling is the fact that the hospitality sector has experienced a doubling of businesses going into administration during this challenging period. Despite the financial aid provided by the Chancellor to help alleviate rising costs, our industries remain exceptionally vulnerable. While some may anticipate a swift return to pre-pandemic levels, the reality is far different. Many establishments are grappling with the dual burden of escalating costs and substantial debts incurred during the pandemic. Moreover, the broader economic landscape poses formidable challenges, as consumers now have significantly reduced disposable income. According to a recent survey conducted by the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), total operating costs in our sector have soared by a staggering 40% in the past year. What's even more concerning is that 7 out of 10 respondents reported either barely breaking even or operating at a loss when factoring in these rising costs. Almost 50% of those surveyed expressed doubts about their businesses' survival in the next 12 months, with a fifth lacking confidence altogether. It is crucial to recognise the significance of these statistics. The numbers represent more than just figures—they encompass the lives, dreams, and cultural heritage of our communities. The consequences of government inaction are evident, as they have severe impacts on individuals and their families within our sector, just as they have for the 3.8 million self-employed and freelance community, who were largely overlooked and left to integrate into society silently. The effects described above will undoubtedly contribute to wider inflationary pressures, leaving the Night Time Economy sector particularly vulnerable as the cost of living continues to rise. Discretionary spending, such as enjoying a night out, often takes a hit as consumers struggle to manage mounting bills. With these concerns in mind, I implore you, as my representative in Parliament, to champion ongoing support for our sector from the Exchequer. These businesses are fundamentally viable and have the potential to thrive if we implement measures to stabilise the sector until inflation is under control. It would be a tremendous loss if many of them faltered during this critical phase of our national crisis, particularly after the substantial public funding that has been invested to keep them afloat. To address the urgent needs of our sector, we are requesting the following: * Implement a reduced VAT rate of 12.5% across the board for the hospitality, late-night economy, and events sector for the next 12 months. I genuinely appreciate your consideration of this plea and eagerly await your response. Yours sincerely,

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