Rural pubs across the UK are to benefit from new government funding to help them provide extra services for local communities.
John Longden OBE, chief executive of Pub is the Hub, at Parliament with Kate Dearden (right), minister for employment rights and consumer protection, and Tonia Antoniazzi MP, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group
Projects will include creating community cafés, village stores, and play areas, and will help pubs bring residents and families together.
The projects have been identified by Pub is The Hub, the non-profit organisation supporting local pubs to diversify their services. Their Social Value Report highlighted more than 40 pub projects currently stuck in limbo due to a lack of funding.
In response, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has committed £440,000 to help Pub is The Hub deliver these projects.
From North Yorkshire to Ceredigion and Cornwall, funding will help support local jobs and opportunities whilst increasing community cohesion as part of the Plan for Change.
“Rural pubs are hubs of their communities, and this government wants to support these vital community assets, creating jobs, supporting local economies, and providing residents with a place to socialise and come together,” said Kate Dearden, minister for employment rights and consumer protection.
“That’s why, as part of the Plan for Change, we’re keen to help secure their future with this funding, alongside measures to slash red tape, modernise licensing, and to create a fairer business rates system.”
New research by Pub is The Hub shows that for every ound invested in the provision of new services or activities, there is a return in social value of over £8.
So far, the organisation has supported hundreds of diversification projects and aims to help 1,000 more pubs over the next three years, creating 2,500 jobs and 1,600 services for more than one million residents.
John Longden OBE, chief executive of Pub is The Hub, said: “We would like to thank the Department for Business and Trade for recognising the important role that pubs and publicans have in rural and deprived areas.
“Publicans with their individual pub businesses have a vital social role in supporting local communities and helping people to overcome social isolation and alleviate feelings of loneliness.
“They have a significant social value that is beyond economic impact. They are crucial in helping to bring people together and inspiring the provision of lost services and amenities.”
Nick Mackenzie, chief executive of Greene King and co-chair of the Licensing Taskforce, said: “We are pleased to be long-term supporters of Pub Is The Hub, which works so hard to help pubs with practical advice in extending their community services.
“No one can underestimate the huge social and economic value of pubs. Our pubs are more than bricks and mortar where people eat and drink — they are places where people come together for all occasions and celebrations, they offer local employment and careers for people of all ages and can help in tackling loneliness.
“Additional access to funding and less red tape is some welcome news to help pubs continue to adapt to meet the needs of their local communities.”
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “This grant is a welcome sign that government recognises not only the essential value pubs have for society, jobs, and the economy but also the huge financial burdens they shoulder. This funding will help Pub is The Hub continue to do its fantastic work in helping pubs diversify.
“If pubs are to thrive and, with them, communities, the government must use this once in a generation Budget to reset the sector’s crushing costs by reforming business rates, cutting beer duty and VAT, and mitigating soaring employment costs.
“Relieving the crushing costs on the sector will not only keep our treasured pubs open but keep workers in jobs and spur on local economies.”
