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Written question asked by James Cleverly (Conservative) on Friday, 28 August 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. It was answered by Kate Dearden (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 September 2026 on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.

Take-away Food

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment he has been of the economic viability of fish and chip shops; and what plans she has to reduce regulatory and fiscal burdens on such retail outlets.

Answer

Fish and chip shops play an important role in sustaining jobs and contributing to the vitality of high streets across the UK. While the Government has not undertaken a specific assessment of the economic viability of fish and chip shops, we recognise the pressures facing hospitality businesses.

That’s why we have introduced permanently lower business rates multipliers for over 750,000 retail, hospitality and leisure properties and has more than doubled the Employment Allowance to £10,500, providing targeted support for smaller employers.

We continue to engage closely with industry representatives, including through the hospitality sector council, to ensure the interests of hospitality businesses are reflected in policy development, I am due to meet with representatives of the fish and chip sector shortly as part of that ongoing engagement.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
20175
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Finance Fish Regulation Take-away food
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk