West Sussex County Council will write to the Government urging it to cut business rates for hospitality and night-time industries.
Councillors say rising costs, including energy prices, taxes, and national insurance, are putting unsustainable pressure on pubs, restaurants, and venues across the county.
They’ve warned that without support, many face closure, threatening jobs and the local economy.
The council is urging the Government to:
- Introduce a significantly reduced level of business rates for hospitality and night-time economy businesses.
- Reduce employers’ National Insurance contributions and VAT in this sector to protect and grow employment.
- Ensure that tips and service charges are paid directly to employees without being subject to income tax.
West Sussex County Council Leader, Councillor Paul Marshall, will now write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and to all West Sussex Members of Parliament, asking them to support these measures.
The council will continue to champion policies at both local and national level that strengthen, sustain and grow the hospitality and night-time economy in West Sussex.
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