Mike Kill NTIA CEO says:
"Today’s Queen’s Speech had important aspects but is still a missed opportunity as far as the Night Time Economy is concerned. We welcome the announcement of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill which the Government hopes will drive local growth and empower residents to transform their local areas. It is welcome that the Government plans to allow councils to offer permanent pavement licenses, and also that councils will be given new powers to ensure empty premises are brought back into use. But we feel there is an opportunity missed to include the agent of change principle in legislation, which would safeguard and nourish grassroots music. We will continue to lobby the Government for the inclusion of this principle as this legislation makes its way through Parliament.”

“More widely, it was welcome the Government focussed on the cost of living and the economic picture facing businesses, but there was a dearth of solutions that will provide meaningful relief to consumers and businesses. In truth, what is needed is an emergency Budget. The Chancellor says he is waiting until there is less volatility in the markets before taking a decision on intervention, but the truth is that might be much too late for large parts of our sector. Businesses are facing soaring energy bills and still have debt hangovers from the pandemic, and are being forced to put up their prices even while they know, that as the cost of living crisis increasingly bites, consumers will be looking to cut down on their monthly expenses and night’s out are likely to be among the first things they choose not to spend on. Given this context, we need urgent action from the Chancellor.”