NCASS Budget 2026 response

Today’s Budget was an important test of whether this Government genuinely values independent hospitality businesses. The Prime Minister courted the support of our sector, and we are disappointed that this Budget does not do more to reduce operating costs and deliver much needed VAT reform for small catering, food and hospitality businesses.

The news that the Chancellor will continue the fuel duty freeze, and extend the cut in business rates for pubs, clubs and music venues to cafes, bars and other food businesses is welcomed. The increase to the rateable value threshold for when companies start paying business rates from £12,000 to £18,000 will go some way to help small businesses on our high streets.

We have been clear that VAT remains the biggest challenge to independent food businesses, and VAT reform is the only tangible solution to give them the breathing space to keep going, protect jobs and invest and support their local communities.

Alan Fox, NCASS CEO said:

“Whilst we appreciate the global economic headwinds that our country faces, independent hospitality businesses needed this Budget to provide practical support and the confidence to invest, employ people and grow”.

“Despite a coordinated #VATSTHEPROBLEM campaign, and sustained lobbying from across the hospitality sector thousands of food and hospitality businesses will feel ignored.”

“NCASS will continue pressing for a higher VAT threshold, a lower rate of VAT for ALL food businesses and action on employment and National Insurance costs. Supporting independent businesses is essential to delivering the growth and thriving communities the Government wants to see.”

NCASS is hosting a post-Budget meeting in Parliament on the 17th November and we have asked our members to write to their local MPs to urge them to attend and to back catering and hospitality businesses in their constituencies.

Template to write to your MP following the Budget 2026

Following this year’s Budget, we are asking members to support our work lobbying government, and we would be grateful if you could write to your local MP.

We need the Government to better understand the issues that our sector is facing to help to make it easier for businesses in our sector to trade profitably and grow.

NCASS are hosting a meeting with MPs in the Houses of Parliament on 17th November to discuss issues impacting independent food and catering businesses.

Please take a minute to use our template and email your local MP.

Thank you for your support.

Alan Fox

Find your MP – MPs and Lords – UK Parliament

EMAIL EXAMPLE

Subject line for your email: Please support independent food businesses in your constituency

Please copy in [email protected] when you send the email and feel free to amend and add any additional information.

Dear (insert MP name)

I own (please insert your business) a business in your constituency.

On Tuesday 17th November, the Nationwide Caterers Association (NCASS) are hosting a drop-in event in Parliament between 12-2pm in ROOM R of Portcullis House.

This event has been organised for MPs to discuss issues impacting on independent hospitality and food businesses.

As a business in your constituency, I would be grateful if you might be able to attend or contact [email protected] for more information.

Your sincerely,

Please remember to include your business name, address and postcode.