MPs wanting new ‘meal deal’ to beat curfew

MPs call on Rishi Sunak to launch new meal discount scheme to help restaurants survive 10pm curfew and local lockdowns

MPs have called on Rishi Sunak to launch a new meal discount scheme to help restaurants survive the 10pm curfew and local lockdowns. 

In a letter seen by The Mail on Sunday, MP Neil Coyle urged the Chancellor to consider a successor to the Eat Out to Help Out scheme. 

He called for a scheme that would see employers receive vouchers and distribute them to staff to use in restaurants. 

Food for thought: MP Neil Coyle has urged the Chancellor to consider a successor to the Eat Out to Help Out scheme

These would be tax-free for employers and employees, with the Government granting National Insurance relief. 

Analysis from employee benefits specialist Edenred says the voucher scheme would cost £74million a month and spur £220million of restaurant revenues. 

The scheme echoes initiatives in France, Germany, Spain and Italy, and Coyle is trying to get support from more MPs. 

He said: ‘Hospitality covers many jobs and too many look set to be lost as the sector fears it has become a punch bag for Government. The Chancellor and other Ministers are lagging far behind their counterparts in other major economies.’

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