Dr Neil Hudson MP has again reaffirmed his commitment to seeing British brewers and publicans thrive in a much more supportive economic landscape ahead of the Spring Budget.
Having met with a host of influential beer and pub trade organisations, Dr Hudson has signed two letters to the Chancellor ahead of next week's Spring Budget advocating for a range of measures from extending draught relief to capping the standard business rates. This would better support an industry recovering from a significant but necessary lapse in trade due to the pandemic in recognition of their significant economic and social contribution to our communities.
Dr Hudson attended the British Beer and Pub Association's (BBPA's) manifesto launch where he had engaged in constructive discussions with Chief Executive Emma McClarkin on the invaluable social role of pubs, particularly in rural communities where they act as community hubs, stave off rural isolation and employ local people. He highlighted the significance of pubs as vital pillars of our society, emphasising their role not only as economy growers but as social hubs to stave off rural isolation and bring people together.
In a show of solidarity with the industry, Dr Hudson has signed two letters addressed to the Chancellor. The first, alongside the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) and Greg Smith MP, advocates for doubling the draught relief to 20%, a move that could serve as a much-needed lifeline for pubs still reeling from the impact of the pandemic.
The second letter, co-signed with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) Beer Group and Alun Cairns MP, presents a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at supporting pubs and ensuring their long-term sustainability. These recommendations include capping the standard business rates multiplier, reducing overall Beer Duty, extending draught relief, lowering Employer National Insurance contributions, and enhancing flexibility in the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).
Dr Hudson's unwavering support for pubs underscores his recognition of their vital role in fostering community cohesion, supporting mental health, and driving local economies. As the nation looks towards economic recovery, Dr Hudson remains committed to advocating for policies that safeguard the future of these cherished establishments.
Dr Neil Hudson MP said:
"Pubs are the lifeblood of our communities - acting not just as economic engines but also essential hubs for social interaction and mental wellbeing. I am an ardent champion of brewers and publicans and will continue to do all I can to advocate on their behalf - be that through economic measures or supporting community ownership buyouts.
"I am committed to creating a supportive business environment for these cherished establishments to thrive and my recommendations to the Chancellor will absolutely do this. I look forward to hearing more about the Prime Minister and Chancellor's economic agenda next week where I am confident their economic knowledge and experiences will provide resolute action to spur our nation forward during a period of global uncertainty."
This is not the first time Dr Hudson has written to the Chancellor to provide more support for breweries and pubs. Most recently in the Autumn Statement Dr Hudson's lobbying helped deliver a Brexit Pub Guarantee, so draught duty will always be lower than duty in supermarkets - thus incentivising supportive and supervised places for people to drink alcohol. Dr Hudson is optimistic his lobbying will prove successful again.
Previously Dr Hudson has secured a place in Parliament for an award-winning local beer, shone a light on an innovative local brewery and pub independent business, and pulled pints to toast the success of Brampton's community-owned pub. More recently he has visited Alston Moor, to lend his support to another ongoing community buyout which would see a now-closed pub thrive once more.
