RYEDALE'S MP has welcomed today's announcement by the Government to help get customers back into restaurants, cafes and pubs.

Kevin Hollinrake MP said the measures would provide a massive boost to the hospitality and tourist sector across Thirsk and Malton which has been amongst the hardest hit by coronavirus,

Chancellor Rishi Sunak told the Commons: “Meals eaten at any participating business, Monday to Wednesday, will be 50 per cent off, up to a maximum discount of £10 per head for everyone, including children. Businesses will need to register, and can do so through a simple website, open next Monday.

Mr Sunak added: “Each week in August, businesses can then claim the money back, with the funds in their bank account within five working days.”

The chancellor also announced cuts in VAT for the hospitality sector.

Mr Sunak said he wants to see pubs, restaurants, cafes and B&Bs “bustling again”, telling MPs: “At the moment, VAT on hospitality and tourism is charged at 20 per cent.

“So I’ve decided, for the next six months, to cut VAT on food, accommodation and attractions.”

Mr Sunak said VAT will be reduced from 20 per cent to 5 per cent from July 15 until January 12 to help, noting: “This is a £4 billion catalyst for the hospitality and tourism sectors, benefiting over 150,000 businesses, and consumers everywhere – all helping to protect 2.4 million jobs.”

Mr Hollinrake MP for Thirsk and Malton, said: "The VAT cut, which I have been campaigning for, will support hundreds of businesses and protect thousands of jobs whilst providing another incentive for people to take their holidays in North Yorkshire.

"The brand new Eat Out to Help Out scheme will encourage people back into our many fabulous restaurants, cafes and pubs by giving them discounted meals from Monday to Wednesday in August. Overall the combination of a job retention bonus and a focus on skills and young people, as well as a stamp duty holiday, is just what is needed to provide businesses with the confidence to retain and hire and give the economy the kickstart it needs."