Burnham camp goes quiet on hospitality VAT cut (opens original article in a new tab)

Andy Burnham's campaign has not confirmed a VAT cut for hospitality despite previous support, focusing instead on business rate reductions, while industry leaders and critics debate the policy's financial impact.

• Andy Burnham's allies have not confirmed if he will cut VAT for hospitality if he becomes PM
• Burnham has pledged to reduce business rates for pubs by 20% but not explicitly support VAT reduction
• Industry leaders continue to push for VAT cut to 10% to ease financial pressure on hospitality sector
• Tax experts warn VAT cut could cost £12bn and benefit large corporations