Hospitality bosses are making a last-ditch plea to Rachel Reeves to protect them from a hammer blow rise in business rates.
Hotel owners say rates rises will hit their investment plans — and UK growth — and are calling on the Chancellor to extend a support package intended for pubs.
Restaurateurs and other high street businesses also want access to the financial lifeline, which is expected within days, reports The Sun.
Gordon Ramsay warned last week that hospitality businesses were “lambs to the slaughter” unless they received urgent help.
Family hotel business faces £1.18m rates increase
Ravi Majithia, director of Avantis Hotels, which runs three Hiltons in York and St Albans, has now echoed the TV chef’s warning.
He said: “Our business is my family’s life’s work.
“We are proud to be a local employer and contribute to our communities but we’re now facing a £1.18million increase in our business rates over the next three years.
“That’s on top of a potential tourist tax and higher national insurance.
“It’s a hammer blow to the industry, which strips out cash for jobs and investment.”
Lancashire Cricket Club hotel hit with £198k bill by 2028
Meanwhile, the Hilton Garden Inn hotel owned by Lancashire Cricket Club will see its business rates bill increase by £183,000 next year — and by £198,000 in 2028.
Club boss Daniel Gidney said: “It’s critical the hotel and stadium sector is included in any support measures.
“Hotels are a key contributor to their local communities — both as significant local employers and supporting local supply chains.
“We urge the Government to act now to support the sector.”
A Treasury spokesman said: “We’re backing hospitality businesses with a £4.3billion support package to limit bill rises, as well as capping corporation tax at 25 per cent.”
