CUTTING the national poundage rate, a review of employer contributions to National Insurance and reducing VAT are among the measures trade group UK Hospitality is calling for in the upcoming Scottish Budget.
In a submission to the Scottish Government ahead of next week’s Budget the group called on finance secretary Derek Mackay to “unleash hospitality’s potential through a targeted programme of action”.
In addition to cutting the poundage rate, the submission calls for a “shift away from tax on property” and scrapping current plans for tourist tax legislation.
UK Hospitality executive director, Willie Macleod, said the Budget, on February 6, “is a key moment for the Scottish Government to demonstrate its commitment to the sector and to recognise that we are a serious player and a powerful driver for positive economic growth”.
“The hospitality sector in Scotland has a bold and positive outlook and has ambitions to grow its role in the economy, by generating growth and providing more and better jobs,” said Macleod.
“Our message remains simple, clear and consistent: unleash hospitality’s potential and it will unleash Scotland’s potential. With the right stable and supportive tax and regulatory framework we can boost employment, skills and career opportunities, secure investment in regeneration and unlock the value of our social capital.”
