As time recedes for the PM to decide on a final draft of his highly anticipated roadmap, he will be more than aware his political career rides on it being a success.
The first lockdown was a shock, the second and third a consequence of getting the first wrong, a fourth would surely prove terminal.
He, nor anyone else of course can create a roadmap that guarantees the avoidance of a fourth, but he will have to fight his own instincts to compose one with the best possible chance of standing the test of time.
Boris Johnson is a cheer leader, he tries to instil optimism through exhibiting it, and it has worked so far, at least at getting him into the position he craved most of his life. But, it has not served him so well through the pandemic, and as such alternative character traits will need airing.
He will also need to close at least one ear to his party’s hawks, and the other to the doves. Going in either the direction of opening too much too quickly, or being overly cautious could prove terminal for the PM.
His roadmap is hopefully linked at the hip to the chancellor’s budget on 3 March. The extraordinary difficulties endured by hospitality businesses throughout the pandemic are for nothing without continued economic support.
The chancellor will need to ensure…
People stay in jobs through supporting employers by extending the furlough scheme.
The reduced VAT rate for hospitality is continued, and at a minimum for six months following most restrictions being relaxed.
That with HM Treasury’s review of business rates delayed until autumn, he extends the current rates support.
If Rishi thinks Gordon has the answers, it really is time to appoint a Minister for Hospitality
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Hospitality & Catering News: Hospitality’s hopes of roadmap success reliant on extended support. – 22 February 2021 – Hospitality’s hopes of roadmap success reliant on extended support.
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