Bexhill and Battle MP welcomes Chancellor’s coronavirus economic recovery plan

The measures will see VAT for hospitality, accommodation and attraction businesses cut from 20 per cent to five per cent for six months.

The move is designed to support the sectors which have been particularly hard hit by the coronavirus crisis, helping businesses to recover and boosting the number of jobs across the country.

Mr Merriman said up to 565 businesses could stand to benefit from the measures in the Bexhill and Battle constituency.

The MP has also urged people to eat out to help out, following the announcement that the Government will pay for up to 50 per cent of people’s meals out at restaurants, pubs and cafes on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout August.

The Eat Out to Help Out scheme will entitle everyone to a discount of up to 50 per cent on their meal, up to a maximum of £10 per person.

Businesses can claim the money back from the Government, which will be paid in five working days.

Mr Merriman said up to 265 local businesses in could benefit from the move.

He added: “I know how difficult recent months have been for many businesses in the Bexhill and Battle constituency.

“With the virus coming under control, we must turn our attention to creating and protecting jobs.

“I hope that residents will answer the call to Eat Out to Help Out. This fantastic new voucher scheme, along with the cut in VAT, is the much-needed lifeline many businesses have been calling for.

“Many local businesses have been there for us during this crisis; I hope that the community will get behind our local economy and help protect jobs.”

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