Struggling pubs handed lifeline as locals given power to save boozers | UK | News
Communities across England will be given access to a £61 million fund aimed at helping them save struggling pubs and other valuable local venues from closure.
The scheme will support residents who wish to purchase and operate valuable community assets themselves, giving them a greater opportunity to prevent sites from being sold or disappearing altogether.
The funding package is expected to be announced by Communities Minister Steve Reed as part of the Government’s wider efforts to support pubs, restaurants and the hospitality sector.
It follows a raft of measures announced by ministers in recent months, including plans to allow pubs to stay open longer during this summer’s World Cup and pledges to reduce red tape facing hospitality businesses.
Alongside the funding, the Government is introducing new Community Right to Buy powers designed to strengthen the position of local groups when key community assets are put up for sale.
According to The Sun, these measures will allow residents to take advantage of the first opportunity to buy places considered the center of local life before they are sold on the open market.
Mr Reed said: “The government has already moved to keep pubs open this summer and declared war on the entertainment police.
“This new announcement is about giving local people the power to stop the permanent closure of their booze and other favorite venues.
“So go out there, support your region during the World Cup; it’s your patriotic duty.”
The announcement comes amid ongoing concerns about the financial pressures facing the UK’s hospitality sector.
Earlier this year industry leaders warned that an average of six pubs, restaurants and hotels could close every day from April unless the Government reconsiders changes to business rates.
Analysis suggests more than 2,000 accommodation properties could be at risk as operators grapple with rising costs.
According to trade body UKHospitality, 2,077 venues are at risk of closure, including 963 restaurants, 574 hotels and 540 pubs.
The organization argued that increased financial pressures could have a significant impact on businesses already operating on tight margins.
Hotels are expected to be among the hardest hit; figures show the average property could face an additional £28,900 in business rates next year alone.
By 2029, the cumulative increase in the average hotel is predicted to reach £205,200; This will add further pressure to a sector already struggling with higher staff, energy and operating costs.
Ministers say new funding and property powers aim to help preserve community spaces that might otherwise be lost, while giving local people a direct role in shaping the future of their neighbourhoods.
