Government

The latest news and updates on government policy, from the business journalists at Catering Today. We bring you the latest on what’s happening in the restaurants, bars and catering industry, with exclusive stories, analysis, best practice and industry comment.

Apr- 2021 -

7 April

High Court sets date for gov’s hospitality restrictions evidence

The government reportedly has until 16 April to file evidence on why indoor hospitality cannot open until 17 May, following a High Court judge ruling. According to Sky News, permission for the case to go to judicial review, and in turn be expedited, will also be made on the week…
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6 April

Matt Hancock called to High Court to explain pub closure reasoning

Health secretary Matt Hancock has been called to give evidence at the High Court following a legal case brought forward by Manchester’s night-time economy adviser, Sacha Lord. The summons follow former Pizza Express boss Hugh Osmond and club operator Lord’s decision to launch a legal challenge which suggests the government…
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1 April

Treasury Committee launches inquiry into job recovery post-Covid

The Treasury Committee has announced it has launched an inquiry into job, growth and productivity recovery after the pandemic. The cross-party group of MPs will examine how the government can reduce and mitigate the economic damage and job losses resulting from the pandemic. Mel Stride MP, chair of the Treasury…
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Mar- 2021 -

22 March

Mayor of London to invest £6m into hospitality reopening

Sadiq Khan has announced a £6m investment to directly support the re-opening of London’s economy once Covid-19 restrictions are lifted. The mayor revealed he will be investing £5m to support the eventual reopening of central London, which will include a new campaign to attract visitors and tourists back into the…
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18 March

Sacha Lord set to bring legal battle to High Court

Sacha Lord has revealed that he is preparing to bring his legal battle against the government to the High Court. Greater Mancheter’s night-time economy adviser is challenging the government’s “roadmap” out of lockdown to allow the hospitality industry to reopen at the same time as non-essential retail businesses. In England,…
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15 March

NI extends rates holiday for 29,000 businesses

Northern Ireland finance minister, Conor Murphy, has announced he will extend the rates holiday for a further 12 months for 29,000 businesses at a cost of £230m Murphy claimed that the package will provide “continued support” for businesses dealing with the impacts of the pandemic. He recognised that the months…
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10 March

Welsh Gov extends lease moratorium

The Welsh Government has announced the decision to extend the lease forfeiture moratorium until 30 June 2021, in a bid to protect business owners including those in hospitality from eviction. The support measure, which was due to end on 31 March, will now ensure that no business is forced out…
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8 March

Pubs and restaurants to receive £770.2m in grant money

Hotels and guest houses are set to receive £165.9m due to the government’s ‘Restart Grants’ scheme’, according to Atlus Group. The real estate advisor estimates pubs, restaurants, hotels and guest houses will receive £936m overall as part of the government’s ‘Restart Grants’ scheme to mitigate the economic damage caused by…
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3 March

Budget 2021: Chancellor unveils new £65bn support package

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has outlined a new £65bn support package in his March budget, confirming the decision to extend the furlough scheme until the end of September as well as new loan schemes of up to £10m for businesses. In what is Sunak’s second budget since he joined office in…
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3 March

Welsh Gov grants £30m for hospitality, leisure, and tourism

The Welsh Government has announced a £30m support package for hospitality, leisure, and tourism businesses impacted by the ongoing Covid-19 measures. The funding is aimed at businesses employing ten staff or over, recognising the higher level of operating costs that they face. Ken Skates, minister for the economy, transport and…
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