Richard Drax, MP for South Dorset, has backed calls for more government support for hospitality and tourism.

In a letter to the Chancellor, Drax has joined other MPs in asking for ‘a clear pathway for business rates in England up to April 2026.’

He said: “I am adding my name to this letter because reform is essential.

 “While hospitality and tourism benefited significantly from government help during the pandemic and beyond, renewed pressures include higher energy bills, rising wages and difficulties in recruiting staff.”

“We are asking the Chancellor to address the inequitable business rate regime at the Budget. Despite the extension of business rate reliefs, the sector is still severely over-taxed in comparison to online, or out of town businesses. ONS data shows that this amounts to a whopping £2.4 billion over its ‘fair share’ annually.”

“These businesses are the lifeblood of constituencies like South Dorset. If we lose them, they are gone for good. We need long term reform and legislation which will ensure the unfair burden on ‘bricks and mortar’ hospitality businesses is eased.”