The hospitality and tourism sector has been enjoying a reduced rate of VAT (5%) since 15 July 2020. This rate applies to most supplies made by hotels, tourist attractions, members' clubs and most events venues. It also applies to the food and drink served in those premises and hot takeaway food and non-alcoholic drinks.

As the UK is no longer a member of the EU, import VAT applies to all goods imported from the rest of the world into Great Britain (different rules apply for Northern Ireland) which do not qualify as small parcels (worth under £135).

Most VAT registered businesses were required to comply with the making tax digital (MTD) regulations for VAT periods beginning on or after 1 April 2019

A year ago, at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Government automatically deferred all VAT due to be paid to HMRC between 20 March to 30 June 2020. The direct debit to collect that VAT was not activated by HMRC and no interest or late payment surcharges have been charged on that debt until now.

B20 Wessex, Spring Budget 2021 Tax Briefing