“These cafés are more than just businesses—they are the heartbeat of our town centres, creating a welcoming environment for locals and visitors alike. Their closures are a huge loss to our community, and without immediate action from both Westminster and Stormont, we risk losing even more,” said Ms Lockhart.

Reflecting on the closures, Ms Lockhart expressed how devastating it has been to see these much loved businesses close, especially knowing the owners personally. “I know the time, effort, and dedication they’ve poured into making their businesses work, the jobs they created, and the quality of food and service they offered to our community. These are people who have worked tirelessly to support our local economy, and it’s heartbreaking to see their doors close after all they have invested.”

Ahead of the UK Government’s budget, she is urging the Chancellor to reduce VAT for hospitality businesses and to reassess the crippling business rates that are driving them to closure. 

“Hospitality businesses need support that is responsive to their needs. Right now, that need is growing, and more closures are looming,” she added.

Ms Lockhart has also written to the Economy Minister in the Northern Ireland Assembly, calling for urgent intervention and additional local support. She emphasised that action from both governments is critical to prevent further damage to the sector.

“I am calling on the Government to act now—reduce VAT for hospitality businesses and urgently look at the unsustainable rates that are crushing them. We cannot afford to lose any more of the places that breathe life into our town centres,” she concluded.

As both budget talks and local economic discussions approach, Ms Lockhart is pressing for swift, meaningful action to protect the hospitality sector and safeguard the future of local businesses in Upper Bann and the hospitality sector across Northern Ireland.