AQW 44202/22-27 Written question to the Minister for the Economy
To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any representations she has made to the UK Government around cutting VAT for hospitality businesses.
Asked by Connie Egan MLA on 17 April 2026
- Answered
- Written
- Tabled
- 17 April 2026
- Answer due by
- 5 May 2026
- Answered
- 28 April 202611 days after tabling
- Department
- Department for the Economy
- Priority question
- No
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.