Six key areas to look out for in the King’s Speech

At today’s state opening of parliament the King’s Speech will outline the new government’s priorities.

The Labour party has already said it planned to “prioritise growth” with the creation of a National Wealth Fund to drive investment in the UK. It will aim to boost clean energy creation, drive house building, improve transport links and create jobs.

Government departments are working on more than 35 bills Labour said would deliver “an ambitious parliamentary session”.

Here are six key areas that are likely be addressed that have a would have a direct impact on hospitality.

Business rates

The business rates system is in line for long-overdue reform, with Labour promising to “level the playing field” between the amount paid by high street venues and online giants.

UKHospitality said it was “unlikely, but not impossible” that a specific piece of legislation would be introduced. It believes that rates are more likely to be addressed in the government’s first formal fiscal event, likely to be in October.

Apprenticeship levy

Labour has already promised to reform the apprenticeship levy by creating a new and more flexible growth and skills levy. It is likely that businesses will have more flexibility on how funds are used and how their apprenticeship courses are run.

Though this is likely to be raised today as part of plans for adult educations, as there is a fiscal element the main detail might not be revealed until the Autumn budget.

New Deal for Working People

As one of Labour’s most high-profile commitments this is almost certain to be included in the King’s Speech. Legislation around workers’ rights is expected to be introduced within Labour’s first 100 days, including scrapping different age bands on the minimum wage and curbing the use of zero-hours contracts.

Martyn’s Law

A bill to enact Martyn’s Law, which will require venues to have preventative plans against terror attacks, is expected to be made mention of. It is an issue that UKHospitality has already consulted with the government on, with the industry body pushing for a definition of standard capacity premises, to allow venues to create bespoke plans.

Drink spiking

In Labour’s manifesto it committed to making drink spiking a specific criminal offence. It will mean venues must be prepared to best prevent incidents and have plans in place to respond, should a suspected spiking occur.

Take Back Control Act

As part of Labour’s plan to “power up Britain”, it plans to introduce a Take Back Control Act that gives greater powers to devolved local authorities and metro mayors to cover transport, skills, energy and planning in their area. Part of the idea is to rejuvenate high streets, which will clearly have implications for hospitality businesses.

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