Sheffield MP says hospitality businesses ‘will be lost for good’ if Government does not offer support

Sheffield MP Clive Betts has pleaded with the Government to support the hospitality sector immediately or risk losing businesses for good.
By Molly Williams, Local Democracy Reporter
Published 17th Dec 2021, 16:20 BST
Updated 17th Dec 2021, 17:00 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Mr Betts, who is a Labour MP for Sheffield South East, said the hospitality industry had been left in limbo with a significant number of cancelled bookings at a crucial time of year after the Government told people to reduce social contact.

He raised this issue and the impact on public transport operators in the House of Commons and said: “I will quite simply say to the minister unless he acts today to help hospitality businesses, they won’t be there next year to be helped. That’s the simply reality.

Read More
Beju Sheffield: First look inside new Sheffield city centre restaurant popular w...
Clive Betts, Labour MP for Sheffield South East, urged the government to provide support for the hospitality sector and public transport operators as footfall drops due to concern about the Omicron coronavirus variant.Clive Betts, Labour MP for Sheffield South East, urged the government to provide support for the hospitality sector and public transport operators as footfall drops due to concern about the Omicron coronavirus variant.
Clive Betts, Labour MP for Sheffield South East, urged the government to provide support for the hospitality sector and public transport operators as footfall drops due to concern about the Omicron coronavirus variant.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“With people choosing not to go to hospitality events following guidance not to go to the office, there is a big impact on the revenues of public transport operators, bus and Supertram operators in Sheffield.

“So will he have urgent coversations with the transport secretary now about extra help for these operators who have already seen massive cuts to services and give the money to the transport authorities so it can be best spent in the interest of passengers.”

MORE FOOD & DRINK: Why you should try this little gem of a cafe in Sheffield that has New Zealand influences

MP John Glen, economic secretary to the Treasury, replied: “Of course discussions will take places across Government and he draws attention to the transport secretary, and of course significant support has been given but I take on board his point.”

Chancellor Rishi Sunak is currently in California and in his absence the Treasury has so far declined pleas for support as businesses report a drop in customers.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Betts said: “The chancellor is missing in action. He needs to be here coming up with solutions to support hospitality, not abroad in California.”

MORE FOOD & DRINK: Sheffield Christmas market 2021: The most popular food and drink this year and the prices you'll pay

Following the exchange in Parliament, Mr Betts added: “We need urgent assistance now for the sector otherwise many businesses simply won’t be here next year which will cause long term economic scarring, something we must avoid.

“The frustrating thing is we have been here before with this Government, where they advise caution and offer no financial support for businesses, leaving them with a huge loss of footfall. They know this does not work and will only lead into the hospitality sector going bust.”

Related topics:Clive BettsSheffieldGovernmentLabour