Call to cut Vat rate in North

More than 2,000 jobs could be created if the Vat rate on hotels and visitor attractions in the North is cut to 5%, a report for the tourism industry has shown.

Hospitality businesses pay Vat at a rate of 20% — more than twice that of the 9% in the Republic.

EU law prevents member states from setting different levels of the charge for different regions. That power will be repatriated to the UK after Brieta and the DUP is pressing for a speedy cut.