The Government should allow communities a say in the future of local pubs, say Labour as they call for ‘clarity’ on business rates relief for pubs.
The House of Commons is today considering an amendment to the Neighbourhood Planning Bill which would ensure any proposed pub demolition or change of use would be subject to planning permission.
Introduced by Labour's Lord (Roy) Kennedy of Southwark, the amendment will give local communities a chance to have their say over the future of local drinking establishments.
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), which supports the amendment, has warned that on average 21 pubs are closed across the UK each week.
The Government announced last week that they would support the amendment.
‘I'm delighted the Government have listened and now back my proposal to close the loophole that allowed pubs to be lost without the local community having a say,’ said Lord Kennedy.
‘This is a victory for common sense, the much loved British pub and responsible drinkers everywhere.’
CAMRA chief executive Tim Page described the news as a ‘fantastic victory’ for ‘campaigners who have secured the removal of a loophole which allowed pubs to be redeveloped or demolished without reference to the local community or planners.’
The shadow minister for local government, Jim McMahon, welcomed the Government’s support for the amendment, but called on Philip Hammond to ‘add clarity to the new pubs relief’.
As part of his budget, the chancellor announced pubs with a rateable value less than £100,000 would get a £1,000 business rates discount – a measure that will aid 90% of pubs across the country.
