NHBF Disappointment as Government VAT Snub Hits UK High Streets

The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) has warned that the Government’s temporary VAT cut for summer attractions exposes a continued failure to support hair, beauty, barbering and aesthetics businesses facing severe cost pressures on high streets across the UK. The Chancellor will need to recognise that this is not only a national issue, but a local one for her. Rachel Reeves is the MP for Leeds West and Pudsey and across Leeds the hair & beauty sector includes 615 businesses, supports 1,925 people in employment and generates £64.3 million in turnover. The Government has announced a temporary reduction in VAT from 20% to 5% for selected family activities, including children’s meals in restaurants, children’s tickets for cinemas and theatres, and admission to attractions such as museums, zoos, fairs, soft play and theme parks. Her failure to take action on the high street has serious consequences. The NHBF said the announcement shows the Government understands that VAT can be used to support demand, footfall and consumer affordability, but has once again ignored labour-intensive high-street service businesses that have been calling for urgent VAT reform for years. Hair, beauty and barbering businesses are community anchors. They provide local jobs, train apprentices, support town centres and …