The hospitality industry has expressed its dissatisfaction with the government’s Autumn Statement as announced by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt on Wednesday.

Despite announcing that the the 75% tax benefit for hospitality will be extended for another 12 months, this is considered by most to be all too little. Especially considering the steep increase in National Living wage.

We conducted a survey from our members to see how the statement is impacting the fish and chip industry specifically.

• The vast majority believe that this statement does not benefit the industry

• The vast majority strongly feel that the government is not doing enough to help small businesses.

• There is however some division on the increase in minimum wage
• The most common response was support of the increase, however, that money must come from somewhere.

• There is a general lack of confidence following the statement

• Only a very small percentage believe that this statement increases the profitability of fish and chip businesses.

Overall, the response from both the fish and chip industry and the wider hospitality industry has shown disappointment in the government strategy.

We will continue to fight for the interests of our members and the wider industry, and we will make sure that the voice of the fish and chip industry is heard.