To ask the Minister for the Economy what steps he is considering to assist hospitality businesses that are struggling due to the significant number of such businesses, particularly on the north coast.

I understand the importance of the hospitality sector for our tourism industry, particularly on the north coast, and recognise that rising costs represent a challenge at this time.

Addressing these challenges cuts across several areas of government, including the Department for Communities and local councils. My Department is taking steps to support such businesses through delivery of the Executive’s Path to Net Zero Energy Strategy, a key objective being to ensure that all consumers, including small businesses, have access to essential and affordable energy.

The level of VAT is an additional issue for the sector. The Department of Finance has repeatedly raised with the Treasury the negative impact of high levels of VAT on the hospitality sector, and these representations will continue.

While town centre regeneration is a matter for the Department for Communities, the recommendations of the High Street Taskforce are also relevant as successful hospitality businesses are important features of vibrant town centres. I therefore intend to work with Executive colleagues to consider the High Street Task Force recommendations to move this agenda forwards.