A survey undertaken by UKHospitality has found that 42 percent of British people believe their high street is worse than it was a year ago, with 74 percent believing the sector needs and deserves more support from the Government.

UKHospitality has revealed that 42 percent of UK customers believe their high street is in decline, with an “overwhelming” majority of 74 percent believing the government must do more to support the hospitality sector.

The survey, undertaken by CGA by NIQ in partnership with Zonal, found that issues are more marked in suburban areas, where 55 percent of residents have noticed a downturn, alongside 48 percent of those living in rural communities.

“These are really worrying statistics,” said UKHospitality CEO Allen Simpson. “It’s clear that many of our communities, outside of big cities, feel that they are being left behind. That’s unacceptable.”

“We should not be faced with the situation where our towns, suburbs and villages feel that their high streets are in decline. It affects our sense of local pride and place, and has wider implications for our communities and local economies. This needs urgent action, and it’s no coincidence that this is happening at the same time as hospitality businesses are being taxed out.”

Simpson welcomed the government’s recent commitment to reforming business rates, however, he urged the Chancellor to go further in the upcoming Budget by implementing the maximum possible business rates discount for all hospitality properties under £500,000 rateable value, alongside a zero rate surcharge for properties above that rateable value.

“I hope these figures act as a wake-up call and that we get serious about supporting hospitality to regenerate and improve our high streets. The potential is there, but the Government needs to stop the sector being taxed out first.”

Time to wake up

Allen Simpson said… “I hope these figures act as a wake-up call and that we get serious about supporting hospitality to regenerate and improve our high streets. The potential is there, but the Government needs to stop the sector being taxed out first…