Somerset MP calls for help to take over closed or struggling village pubs
Ian Liddell-Grainger claims levelling-up cash could be used to help 'local priceless assets'
A Somerset MP is calling on the Government to help community groups to take over closed or struggling village pubs.
Bridgwater and West Somerset's Ian Liddell-Grainger says 'Levelling-Up money' could help preserve what he calls 'local priceless assets' who have faced an unprecedented few years, with the Covid pandemic and the cost of living crisis all threatening their future.
The Globe in Milverton, near Taunton and The Waldegrave Arms in East Harptree, near Bristol, are the latest village pubs to be put on the market with groups in both locations announcing plans to raise funds to buy and run them.
Mr Liddell-Grainger said: “Community shops are being run successfully all over the country and with the right kind of support I see no reason why community pubs should not work equally well.
“A lot of the closures stem directly from the fact that when interest rates were low some large pub chains overborrowed to increase their property portfolios.
“Now interest rates have risen again they find themselves trapped: having to find more money to service debts while the cost of living squeeze is reducing pub footfalls. But trying to wring more rent out of tenants is only going to lead to them throwing in the towel - and this is precisely the situation we are seeing at the moment.
“A pub is a priceless asset to a rural community because it is often the only place where locals can gather together. If local people are keen enough to buy threatened pubs and take them on and can provide viable business plans then I don’t see why they shouldn’t be helped.
“Pubs have a far better chance of survival when they are community-run because they won’t be shovelling huge amounts of money into the coffers of corporate chains every month.
“And if we can offer things such as business rates holidays or reductions to get community pub projects off the ground then we should be doing so because the benefits of keeping these places going extend far beyond merely providing a service for people who enjoy a pint.”
In response the Government tell us they've published the UK’s first Hospitality Strategy - and help is on offer, with £4.3 billion having been announced in a business rates support package over the next five years to support small businesses and the high street.
A spokesperson from the Government added: “At the Autumn Statement the Chancellor announced over £4 billion of support for small businesses and the hospitality sector, including 75 per cent business rates relief, freezing alcohol duty rates, and reducing employer national insurance.
“At the Autumn Statement the Chancellor announced over £4 billion of support for small businesses and the hospitality sector, including 75 per cent business rates relief, freezing alcohol duty rates, and reducing employer national insurance.
“In 2021 we published the UK’s first Hospitality Strategy to improve the resilience of the sector and established a Hospitality Sector Council to oversee its delivery. We’re working closely with the industry to tackle the challenges it faces, and we’ll continue helping them to grow and thrive in their local communities."