Hospitality in the Forest of Dean
- Matt Bishop MP
- Jan 9
- 2 min read
On the 13th of November, I asked landlords and the public across the Forest of Dean to engage with me about the issues they have been experiencing and shared a live survey for them to complete.
The survey can be found here:
Following this call for engagement, I wrote directly to landlords across the Forest of Dean to encourage further involvement. That letter was sent on the 18th of November and is available below. It's disappointing to learn that not all the landlords received this letter successfully.
While the original letter focused on licensing changes, I know that since the Autumn Budget, further concerns have arisen about business rates and the overall viability of businesses in the hospitality sector.
I have become increasingly aware that many landlords and small business owners in the Forest of Dean are experiencing real hardship and have concerns about how upcoming changes may affect them financially. I understand those worries and recognise the widespread distress being felt across the Forest of Dean and the country.
I want to reaffirm my commitment to landlords across the Forest of Dean: I will support you in any way I can.
Several pub landlords have already been in touch, and I have begun raising their serious concerns directly with the Government. I am also meeting with landlords next week and remain committed to listening to your concerns and taking action to ensure your voices are heard loud and clear in Westminster.
Please do reach out to me at matt.bishop.mp@parliament.uk so we can discuss how I can best support the hospitality sector in the Forest of Dean.
Your voices are important to me, and I am committed to making sure they are heard.
