WESTMINSTER ADVOCACY

Government & Parliamentary Advocacy

Direct Policy Action on VAT, Business Rates, Energy Costs & Skilled Labour

Date: Ongoing Session 2025 – 2026

Location: Houses of Parliament & HM Treasury, London

Category: Political Advocacy & Reform

Executive Summary

Relentless representation in Westminster presenting empirical economic data to safeguard thousands of family-run restaurants from excessive tax burdens and utility pressures.

Comprehensive Overview

The BCA serves as the direct conduit between high-street caterers and UK policymakers. Through private delegations at 10 Downing Street, all-party parliamentary groups (APPGs), and formal Treasury representations, the BCA campaigns vigorously for a sustainable fiscal landscape for the hospitality sector. Our current priorities focus on reducing hospitality VAT, reforming business rates, addressing utility overheads, and establishing sensible immigration thresholds for specialist culinary professionals.

The Bangladesh Caterers Association UK continuously works as the vanguard of Britain's curry trade, championing independent restaurant businesses, culinary traditions, and fair regulatory representation. This initiative represents our core commitment to safeguarding our members while providing forward-looking commercial opportunities.

Key Objectives & Action Plan

Lobby HM Treasury for a reduced 10-12% hospitality VAT rate in line with European tourism economies.

Urge reform of commercial business rates and demand permanent relief for independent food service businesses.

Present parliamentary evidence on utility price-gouging and push for regulatory protections against extortionate energy tariffs.

Advocate for flexible skilled culinary work visas to alleviate acute kitchen staffing shortages nationwide.

Program Schedule & Key Phases

Timeline / Phase	Session / Milestone	Focus & Outcome
Quarterly	All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) Sessions	Briefing MPs and Lords from all parties on high-street restaurant economic survival.
Bi-Annual	Treasury & Chancellor Budget Submissions	Submitting comprehensive economic impact assessments ahead of the Autumn Statement and Spring Budget.
Ongoing	Local Council Licensing & Enforcement Dialogues	Working with town halls across the UK to ensure fair business licensing and waste compliance enforcement.
Continuous	Member Legal & Compliance Advisory Hotline	Providing direct regulatory guidance to BCA members facing compliance or licensing hurdles.