Since covid restrictions have eased many Brits have been enjoying the offerings of their local pubs and restaurants - even braving the cold and rain in the process. The hospitality sector needs all the help it can get to bounce back. That's why the TaxPayers’ Alliance is leading the charge for an extension to the current reduction in VAT for the industry.
Extensive analysis by our research team revealed that keeping the current 5 per cent reduced rate until April 2023 could generate at least £15.7 billion of savings for consumers and the industry itself.
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Pubs, clubs, restaurants and hotels have seen some of the highest rates of job losses due to the pandemic. Our proposed tax cuts would allow the sector to fully recover - saving businesses, jobs, and allowing the economy to bounce back faster.
Our findings received extensive coverage in the national media, most notably the Daily Express and Britain's biggest newspaper, the Daily Mail. The campaign is building momentum but there is more work to be done.
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The temporary 5 per cent reduced rate of VAT is currently set to end on September 30th. That's why it's vital that you make your voice heard and sign our petition calling for change. We will take the petition directly to the chancellor.
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TaxPayers' Alliance in the news
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Lords throw away taxpayers' cash on recruitment firm
There was palpable anger from taxpayers after the Express discovered that £33,000 was spent unnecessarily on a recruitment firm by the House of Lords. Public funds were splurged on headhunters to find a new chief clerk but then an internal appointment was made. As political reporter Dan Falvey explains, "[The role] requires a high level of understanding of Parliamentary procedure, meaning internals are often hired to the position."
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Standing up for the interests of British taxpayers, our chief executive John O'Connell told the Express, "The Lords should ensure that it recruits someone competent, but commissioning top headhunters seems unnecessary for what was an internal hire." Hear! Hear!
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New royal yacht could cost £200 million
Following the sad death of Prince Philip there have been reports that the government plans to commission a new royal yacht. Estimated to cost £200 million it is hoped the vessel would promote British interests around the world - similar to the role of HMY Britannia before it was decommissioned. However as our research director Duncan Simpson explained on talkRadio, the plans don't hold water.
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Speaking to presenter Kevin O'Sullivan, Duncan argued that "This idea has been floating around for years but evidence that HMY Britainia led to trade deals just doesn't exist".
It's understandable that people would like to see a fitting memorial to the Duke of Edinburgh - but the cost is exorbitant and there are many better things the money could be spent on. I'm not sure the great man himself would have approved of it either!
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£3.6 billion of council tax unpaid
Figures obtained by the Sunday Express have shone a light on the shocking amount of council tax that went uncollected last year. £32 billion was levied but £1.2 billion failed to be claimed and a further £2.4 billion in outstanding debt from previous years. These figures are incredibly concerning and show just how bad the situation has become.
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Speaking to reporter Matthew Davis I explained why this cannot continue, "It can be uneconomical to pursue every penny owed, but local authorities must try all options before writing off debt. It's not fair on law-abiding taxpayers for others to get away without paying their share. Those not paying, put taxes up for everybody else."
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Top tips for cutting your council tax bill
Of course, it's understandable that people are sick to the back teeth of shelling out thousands of pounds in council tax every year for substandard services and town hall fat cats. However, as our media campaign manager Danielle Boxall explains there are a number of ways to trim the size of your tax bill.
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She writes "Councils are notoriously quiet about these discounts (what a surprise!), so you’ll need to check your local authority's rules to see what you’re entitled to." Danielle has identified 9 ways you might be able to make savings.
But if these methods don’t apply to you and your tax bill is still shockingly high, then please sign our petition calling on local authorities to put a stop to the hikes.
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Given council tax bills have trebled since the levy was first introduced and the average band D bill in England is nearly £1,900 - it’s high time that we demand an end to year-on-year rate rises.
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Harry Fone
Grassroots Campaign Manager
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