MPs call on Rishi Sunak to launch new meal discount scheme to help restaurants survive 10pm curfew and local lockdowns
MPs have called on Rishi Sunak to launch a new meal discount scheme to help restaurants survive the 10pm curfew and local lockdowns.
In a letter seen by The Mail on Sunday, MP Neil Coyle urged the Chancellor to consider a successor to the Eat Out to Help Out scheme.
He called for a scheme that would see employers receive vouchers and distribute them to staff to use in restaurants.
Food for thought: MP Neil Coyle has urged the Chancellor to consider a successor to the Eat Out to Help Out scheme
These would be tax-free for employers and employees, with the Government granting National Insurance relief.
Analysis from employee benefits specialist Edenred says the voucher scheme would cost £74million a month and spur £220million of restaurant revenues.
The scheme echoes initiatives in France, Germany, Spain and Italy, and Coyle is trying to get support from more MPs.
He said: ‘Hospitality covers many jobs and too many look set to be lost as the sector fears it has become a punch bag for Government. The Chancellor and other Ministers are lagging far behind their counterparts in other major economies.’