Industry reacts to Reeves' spending audit

Trade bodies from across the hospitality industry have reacted to the first financial address from new chancellor Rachel Reeves. 

In a speech that included plans to scrap specific winter fuel payments and deliver a 22% pay deal to junior doctors in England, Reeves accused the Conservatives of hiding a £21.9bn government overspend this year.

She also confirmed the date of the new government's Autumn Budget, which is scheduled for 30 October 2024. 

"The right lever to pull"

"The chancellor’s announcement makes investing in growth more important than ever," says Allen Simpson, deputy chief executive of UKHospitality. "Our sector is well placed, with presence in communities across the UK, to help the new government get the economy moving, provide more people with jobs, invest in the future, and bring in the taxes needed.

"Hospitality is the right lever to pull because the effect is so quick and reaches the whole of the country. We hope in the October Budget, the chancellor will deliver on the manifesto promises to back the sector’s growth.

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