Jack Sargeant MS has been appointed as Minister for Social Partnership in the Welsh Government, which includes responsibility for hospitality.

UKHospitality Cymru has said a new, fairer system that reduces the burden on high street businesses is required.

David Chapman, Executive Director of UKHospitality Cymru, said:

“I’m pleased to welcome Jack Sargeant as the Minister for Social Partnership, with responsibility for hospitality, and I look forward to working with him.

“I know from our meetings in the past that he has a strong interest in the sector and he has been a significant supporter of the pub and brewing sector, while Chair of the Cross-Party Group for Beer.

“He’ll be aware of many of the current issues affecting hospitality but businesses rates is the area that is the biggest barrier to growth and we believe reform of a broken system must be a priority.

“Rates reform is a manifesto commitment of the UK government and I hope the two governments can work together on a new, fairer system that reduces the burden on high street businesses.

“With the recent changes to the tax system and an ongoing 12-month review into rates, now is the time to kick on and implement change that will make a real difference to hospitality businesses, the Welsh economy and jobs for Welsh people.”