UKHospitality coordinates the sector, lobbies on rates, taxes and policy, and defends hospitality interests amid rising costs and reform pressures.
Dame Rachel de Souza has warned that roughly 42,000 16-17-year-olds in England are enrolled in colleges but attend less than half the time, a situation she calls a hidden NEET crisis. Official Neet figures exceed one million for 16-24-year-olds, with college non-attendance not captured in the statistics. The government says it will improve attendance tracking across colleges.
The government has announced plans to let English mayors introduce an overnight visitor levy charged as a percentage of accommodation costs, with no statutory upper limit. Industry groups including UKHospitality, Hilton, Whitbread and Butlin's have criticised the move, warning it will raise prices, harm demand and cost jobs; local leaders say revenue will fund transport and services.
The hospitality sector has seen worsening conditions with nearly a quarter of venues losing money, prompting calls for a 10% VAT rate to boost margins, hiring, and investment. Campaigns gain momentum as Ireland lowers its rate and prominent chefs back the move, while critics warn of hefty revenue losses.
The Real Rates Reform Alliance has launched a plan to replace the current business rates system with a two-tier approach that taxes online sales at 2% and lowers rates for bricks-and-mortar firms. The proposal would raise overall revenue while delivering relief to traditional retailers and high streets, as UK leaders debate a broader reform of business taxation.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a 20% business rates reduction for nearly 32,000 pubs, clubs and live music venues in England from April 2027, a package the government says will save a typical pub about £1,100 a year and cost roughly £100m. Ministers are proposing to fund it by reviewing reliefs for vape shops and cracking down on online tax non-compliance.
A Jersey Shore pizzeria has defended its policy not to provide a knife for guests to cut outside cakes during a fifth-birthday party, after a viral video sparked debate online. The owners say kitchen safety and business rules guide their decision, and that the restaurant remains focused on pizza, not event hosting. The incident took place at Joey Tomato’s on Jenkinson’s boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach.
A series of incidents at Travelodge hotels have raised concerns about room access security. Victims report unauthorised entry by strangers after staff handed out room keys, including a Maidenhead case where a man jailed for sexual assault wore a key card. Travelodge has updated policies and retraining, while victims call for stronger protections.
Scottish Government attendance data show low in-office presence as 40% target remains unmet. Premier public sector reform chief faces pressure as unions push back against monitoring and pay implications.
England’s National Planning Policy Framework updates enable a default approval for homes within walking distance of well-connected rail and tram stations. The changes aim to accelerate housebuilding while protecting greenery and pubs with “golden rules.” Reactions span from praise for growth to concern about green belt protections.
Independent review led by Jerry Schurder will probe how pubs and hotels are valued for business rates, with March 2027 target for findings. The government has cut pub rates by 20% from April next year and is weighing broader reforms to the system.
Independent and Guardian outlets report a flurry of openings, chef moves, and pub-to-restaurant conversions across London this September. Kerridge’s Bar & Grill evolves into two spaces; Dishoom expands; Borough Market welcomes Kismet; and new pubs and cafés join the city’s lively food landscape.