New ‘Pride in Place’ powers to save pubs useless without dedicated pub-saving fund and action in Autumn Budget, say CAMRA

Responding to today’s announcement by the Government of a new ‘Pride of Place’ project, Ash Corbett-Collins, CAMRA Chairman said:

“Giving communities first refusal on buying their local to save it as a community-owned pub could be a game-changer but is useless if those local groups trying to save pubs can’t access funding to buy the pub before it is converted or demolished. 

"There are no guarantees that those areas getting new ‘Pride in Place’ money will be able to spend it on saving and restoring local pubs, and it appears there are no funds at all for communities outside of the areas selected today. 

"It’s great to see the Prime Minister talking about tackling pub closures, but today’s announcement is just the first step towards that. We need action on VAT, business rates and National Insurance contributions in the Budget, and the ongoing Access to Market Review for independent breweries needs to make fundamental changes to end the stranglehold that global brewers have on bars across the UK.” 

Ends

About CAMRA:

CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, is a not-for-profit UK consumer group. 

We have been campaigning for pubs, pints and people since 1971.

Media Contact:  

CAMRA Press Office:  

press@camra.org.uk  

01727 337863

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