Blackpool’s Conservative MPs have joined forces calling on the Government to continue vital support for the town’s tourism and hospitality businesses.

Paul Maynard MP and Scott Benton MP, who represent Blackpool North and Cleveleys and Blackpool South respectively, have put their names to an open letter to the Chancellor, demanding assistance for the industry be extended, to ease the transition out of lockdown and ensure as many businesses as possible are able to play a role in the UK’s economic recovery.

Among the measures in the proposed package for tourism and hospitality operators are;

• An extension of the VAT cut to 5%
• A  further 100% holiday on business rates for all sector businesses across the UK, covering the next financial year.
• The extension of furlough and the replacement of the Job Retention Bonus with a new retention mechanism.
• Improved loan repayment terms to reflect the length of the crisis and HMRC tax deferrals.

Paul Maynard MP said: “Our hotels, pubs and restaurants, along with their suppliers are among those who have been hit hardest by the pandemic. They have repeatedly been asked to close their doors and right now I know the industry is on life support.

“The rollout of vaccines gives us an extraordinary opportunity to get life back to normal, to resume all the activities we love. But, we need to acknowledge this will not happen overnight.

“Tourism and hospitality businesses will continue to need support. Ministers have raised the prospect of a great British summer. We need to ensure our hotels, pubs, restaurants and all those businesses who rely on them survive and thrive.”

Scott Benton MP said:  “Blackpool is built on tourism and hospitality. We have so many fantastic businesses and I’ve met so many brilliant people who are passionate about their work and this town.

“They have made so many sacrifices over the past year. It is important we stand by them now.

“I know many businesses are struggling and desperate to open their doors. These measures could make a massive difference and we are urging the Chancellor to listen to the industry, to the people who know best what these businesses need.”

As well as wishing to see support provided for hotels, bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants, Blackpool’s Conservative MP’s recognise far more companies in their constituencies rely on the visitor economy.

Paul said: “So many people work in supply chain businesses, from food and drink to laundry. Then there are those who rely on tourism and hospitality in other ways, like taxi drivers. The recovery of this sector is vital for so many in our town and I want to see help made available for as many as possible.”

Scott said: “For those who rely on our visitors and hospitality industry for their income,  every day matters and every penny counts.”