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The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has responded to the Government’s King’s Speech, which sets out an ambitious legislative programme aimed at building a stronger and fairer Britain.
Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, said: “The scale and ambition outlined in today’s King’s Speech once again suggests a government that recognises the depth of the challenges facing the UK. Commitments to strengthen public services, drive economic resilience, and support small businesses are welcome, but they are not new.
“We have heard this recognition and understanding repeatedly over the past two years. Yet, despite this, it has not translated into meaningful impact on the ground for businesses, including those across the night time economy who continue to operate under sustained pressure.
“We welcome the focus on reducing the cost of living, improving transport affordability, and supporting young people into employment. Measures such as capping bus fares, investing in youth employment, and reforming planning and infrastructure have the potential to positively impact our sector, but only if they are delivered at pace and with real intent.
“However, we must be clear, efforts to reduce the cost of living cannot come at the expense of businesses already operating on extremely tight margins. There is a real risk that the burden of affordability is inadvertently shifted onto operators through rising costs, regulation, and taxation. That is not sustainable, and it will ultimately undermine the very communities these policies aim to support.
“Recognition alone is no longer enough. What businesses need now is delivery.
“Strategies have been produced at pace, but the gap between what is written and what is delivered in terms of real, pro growth change remains significant and, frankly, well short of expectations.
“Over two years ago, this government promised a fresh approach. Instead, we continue to see the same narrative, the same fiscal constraints ahead of budgets, the same cautious positioning, and the same lack of ambition in delivering bold economic reform.
“Crucially, growth will not come from long term ambition alone. It requires immediate economic headroom for businesses to invest, hire and expand. That means taking decisive and, at times, difficult decisions now to ease the burden on operators. This is a moment that demands bravery from the government.
“Businesses cannot wait for long term strategies while operating on the edge today. What is needed is immediate action that restores confidence and creates the conditions for growth, not incremental change, but meaningful intervention.
“The emphasis on energy independence and long term reform is encouraging, but without short term support on costs, particularly energy, many hospitality, nightlife and cultural businesses will not survive to see the benefits of those reforms.
“On public safety and policing, strengthening measures to tackle antisocial behaviour is important. But this must be balanced with policies that support, not restrict, vibrant night time economies, which play a critical role in safe and thriving communities.
“There are also missed opportunities. The Speech does not go far enough in addressing late night transport, cultural recovery, or the regulatory burdens that continue to constrain growth across our sector, particularly given the current economic climate, where many businesses are operating on the edge and may not survive long enough to see the benefits of long term reform.
‘As highlighted in Jess Phillips’ recent resignation letter, ‘deeds, not words are what matter.’
That sentiment increasingly reflects the mood across the UK. The success of this programme will not be judged on its ambition, but on whether it delivers real, tangible change.
“If the Government is serious about building a stronger, fairer Britain, it must move beyond recognition and into action. With bold, immediate intervention, the night time economy can be a powerful engine for growth, jobs, and cultural identity across the UK, but without it, the risk is continued decline.”
The NTIA calls on the Government to engage more closely with industry leaders to ensure forthcoming legislation delivers tangible, pro-growth outcomes for the night time economy and the millions of people it employs and supports.