Sinn Féin representatives have called on the British government to reduce the VAT rate for hospitality businesses in Northern Ireland to match the rate in the Republic of Ireland.

Áine Murphy and Sandra Duffy said the south will soon apply a 9% rate while businesses in the north face 20%.

They said hospitality firms create jobs and investment in towns and villages across Northern Ireland.

Murphy highlighted recent developments in Fermanagh, including the extension of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.

The representatives said the reduction would support the all-Ireland economy and ease pressure from rising business costs.

They noted that Sinn Féin minister John O’Dowd has repeatedly raised the issue with the British government.