Sector 'optimistic' after King's Speech but warns there's still 'work to be done'

The State Opening of Parliament took place in the House of Lords Chamber yesterday, when King Charles III laid out the new Labour Government’s priorities for the next parliamentary session in a speech written by the Government.  

Addressing members of both the House of Lords and the House of Commons, the King said his Government’s legislative programme would be “mission led” and based upon principles of “security, fairness and opportunity for all”.

The proposals affecting hospitality firms included tighter laws around drink spiking, reformation of the Apprenticeship Levy and devolving powers on planning to local authorities.

Following the speech, the Night-Time Industries Association said there was still a “significant amount of work” to be done in terms of economy recovery, but it was “optimistic” about the Government’s “swift and comprehensive” approach to addressing key issues for the sector.

NTIA CEO Michael Kill commented: “A key highlight is the long-awaited focus on the reduction of crime against women and girls, with the introduction of a specific crime for spiking, which the NTIA and other advocates have championed over the past few years.

“This legislative change will significantly enhance the role of the police. By providing a robust data source to address this issue and focusing on direct intelligence to capture perpetrators, we can better protect our patrons and ensure safer environments in our venues”.

Renewed focus 

Kill added the association also “applauded” the “landmark bill” to boost workers’ rights, which included a potential ban on “exploitative” zero-hour contracts, immediate rights for workers and a crackdown on fire and rehire practices.

Though the CEO urged the Government’s planning reforms must be “balanced” and consider the protection of cultural social spaces.

In addition, Kill said the introduction of more affordable housing in urban centres would support the night-time economy by allowing workers to live near their jobs, reducing commutes and fostering sustainability.

The NTIA also said Labour's pledge to reform the Apprenticeships Levy was “vital” for the continued growth and innovation of night-time industries.

Meanwhile, it added the "take back control" bill devolving powers over energy, transport, skills, and planning to local authorities, was another “critical measure” for the sector.

Kill said: “By giving local Governments the ability to reinstate late night transport infrastructure after midnight and set affordable fares, we anticipate improved access to night-time venues, making it easier for patrons and staff to travel safely and affordably.”

Elsewhere, the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) welcomed the Government’s “renewed focus” on achieving greater sustained economic growth, adding the trade body would “work closely” with minsters to establish “best practices” for firms.

BBPA CEO Emma McClarkin said: “Our nation’s brewers and pubs are drivers of local economic growth and high street revitalisation across the UK.”

“It’s positive to see significant measures announced today that can help hospitality achieve its growth potential of 6% a year."

However, Simply Business COO Bea Montoya said it was “hard to detect much positive news” for small businesses in the speech.

Montoya commented: “The future prosperity of the UK economy depends on the success of small business.

“Our research shows 98% of SMEs felt the last Government didn't do enough to reduce their tax burden - so there is clear evidence of where help is required from the new Government in an increasingly challenging business landscape.

“Hopefully, more recognition for SMEs will emerge along with cast iron commitments to create conditions which will enable small businesses to thrive in the long term."

Conversely, UKHospitality (UKH) chief executive Kate Nicholls said the next session of Parliament would be “essential” in kickstarting the growth needed to achieve the Government’s objectives.

She continued: “It’s positive to see significant measures announced today that can help hospitality achieve its growth potential of 6% a year.

“With Bills addressing Apprenticeship Levy reform and improvement of the planning system, I’m pleased key asks of UKH are being delivered on and that our concerns have been heard loud and clear by the new Government.”

Though Nicholls added with no mention of business rates, it was now “all the more important” for Labour to “deliver on its manifesto commitment” to fix the “broken rates system” in the autumn statement later, particularly as firms face an end to the 75% rate relief next April if action isn’t taken.

Reaffirmed commitment 

Keir Starmer’s Labour Government also reaffirmed its commitment to Martyn’s Law in the King’s Speech, originally pledged by Rishi Sunak’s Government.

The draft legislation proposed by the former Government was called the Draft Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill.

While the draft is subject to amendment following a previous public consultation, the new Government proposed to continue with the same bill.

If enacted, this would create two tiers of publicly accessible premises - those with a public capacity of 100 to 799 known as the Standard Tier and an 800+ capacity known as the Enhanced Tier, the latter of which would shoulder greater health and safety obligations.

Poppleston Allen senior associate solicitor Andy Grimsey commented: “It is important that landlords and commercial property owners understand what these new proposed obligations will mean.

“It must be stressed at this stage that the Draft Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill is not law at all and no legislation to date has entered Parliament.”