Next UK government must cut VAT to help businesses, says Kate Forbes

SCOTLAND'S Deputy First Minister has demanded the UK’s next prime minister commits to cutting the rate of VAT.

Kate Forbes said the move would act as a “win-win-win” for businesses in the hospitality and tourism sectors after they were “battered” by Covid-19 and Brexit.

The SNP included the proposal in its manifesto launched on Wednesday, and Forbes will highlight the issue during a General Election campaign visit in Glasgow on Friday.

She said: “Cutting VAT for businesses would be a ‘win-win-win’ for hospitality, tourism and the wider economy.

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“In the last few years, hospitality and tourism businesses have been battered by the Covid pandemic, and they are still being battered by Brexit – it’s time that Westminster gave these businesses a break by finally cutting VAT.

“These businesses are the backbone of the Scottish economy and they urgently need support, not more austerity, Brexit and a cost-of-living crisis – all inflicted by Westminster.”

She said the Scottish Government is already “doing what it can” to support businesses.