A HOTELS boss has accused Labour of undermining growth and jobs after the wider hospitality sector was snubbed for business rates help.
Jo Boydell of Travelodge said the “double hit” of higher property tax bills and the threat of a tourist tax could force struggling firms out of business.
It comes after Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered a financial lifeline to pubs but excluded hotels, high street shops and restaurants.
The 625-strong budget hotel chain says its business rates bill will rise from £38million to £50million a year from April, with significant increases in the years after.
Ms Boydell, right, said: “Hotels like Travelodge are anchors for economic activity in communities, supporting thousands of jobs and training young people.
“Yet our sector faces a double hit — a business rates bill that will double in the next three years and a threat of inconsistent visitor levies.
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“By limiting business rates support to pubs, the Government is neglecting the broader hospitality industry and putting at risk the growth it wants to deliver.”
Caravan parks and B&Bs also fear a tourist tax that could be added to overnight visits.
A government consultation on the issue will run until the end of next month.
The Treasury said: “We’re backing hotels and the high street with a £4.3billion Budget package to cap big bill hikes — stopping bills rising for over half of business properties.”
UK CAR SLUMP
THE number of motors built in the UK fell by 15 per cent in 2025, a report has found.
Some 717,371 cars left factories last year, down eight per cent.
And 47,344 commercial vehicles were made, a 62 per cent drop.
Mike Hawes, chief of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said that 2025 was “the toughest year in a generation”.
US tariffs, the Jaguar Land Rover hack and Net Zero planning all had an impact.
TORTILLA BLIP
MEXICAN fast food chain Tortilla is mulling price hikes after Budget tax raids.
The burritos and tacos diner told shareholders it has faced “cost headwinds” since rises in taxes and labour costs last April.
Another hit is coming soon when the minimum wage goes up by more than 4 per cent.
But Tortilla, which has 81 UK sites, has made a “positive start” to 2026, outperforming the UK market in the past three weeks.
FEAR FOR FACTORY JOBS
THE ORIGINAL FACTORY SHOP fell into administration yesterday, putting the future of 137 stores and 1,180 staff at risk.
The discount retailer, which has been trading since the 1960s and was bought last year by Modella Capital, will continue operating from its stores, although online operations have shut.
Sales made before yesterday will still be delivered as normal.
Meanwhile, the UK’s largest gaming retailer Game, which was acquired by Frasers Group in 2019, has registered its intention to appoint administrators.