In a video posted to Instagram the day after the Budget announcement (Thursday 29 October), Kerridge said he felt “slightly let down” by a Government he had been in discussions with ahead of the announcement.
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The chef, who has spearheaded the #VATsTheProblem campaign, said he had hoped ministers would listen to the sector’s concerns over mounting costs.
He welcomed the 3.9% increase in minimum wages as positive for employees and helping ease the cost of living crisis, but warned it would place further pressure on already struggling hospitality businesses.
Kerridge said operators had hoped the Government would give something back to the sector while continuing to increase its costs.
He also acknowledged the business rates relief announced in the Budget, describing the support for micro and small businesses as “very, very positive”.
However, he warned many operators, particularly those running multiple sites, would not qualify for the reductions.
VAT campaign continues
Kerridge reiterated his determination to secure a lower rate of hospitality VAT after Chancellor John Healey failed to announce a reduction from 20% to 10% in Wednesday’s Budget.
He said: “The #VATsTheProblem campaign, the reduction in VAT, is something we are going to continue to drive, continue speaking to Government, and keep pushing for a fairer rate of VAT and taxes coming into hospitality.”
He added: “Bring it in line with Europe and give hospitality the chance. No luck this time, but we are going to keep pushing and we are going to keep knocking on that Government door.”
The comments follow the #VATsTheProblem campaign reaching more than 400,000 signatures, with Kerridge joining industry leaders to deliver the petition to Downing Street on 14 October.
In a separate message to supporters following the Budget, the campaign confirmed it would continue pushing for 10% hospitality VAT.
It said: “Five months ago, no one outside of the sector was talking about VAT on hospitality. We have made it a national issue. Now we have to make it happen.”
The campaign acknowledged the benefits of the business rates measures but argued a VAT reduction remained essential to protecting jobs, businesses and communities.
It urged supporters to continue sharing the petition and promoting the campaign, adding: “This was a missed opportunity. We’ll keep campaigning for the next one – together.”
