Farron backs community pubs

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has signed a parliamentary motion backing community pubs and asking the government to promote the take-up of rural rate relief for pubs.

The motion signed by Tim says: "That this House supports community pubs; notes that 80 per cent of pubs are small businesses; further notes that business rates form a significant part of a pub's fixed costs; and calls on the Government to support the British Beer and Pub Association and CAMRA's Better Rates for Pubs campaign to extend small business rate relief for pubs beyond April 2014, promote take-up of rural rate relief for pubs and review the revaluation process for pub business rates to ensure that the valuation accurately reflects the pub's actual turnover."

Tim has also proposed that Cumbria County Council support our pubs by providing grants and asking them to support pubs hosting community services like shops, post offices and other community facilities. He has also called on both South Lakeland and Eden district councils to list community pubs throughout our area as 'community assets', a move which could help safeguard rural pubs in Cumbria.

Tim said: "In many villages throughout Cumbria the pub is the hub of community life. Many of them have struggled in the last few years because of high duty and lots of red tape. I hope that we convince the Government to support the British Beer and Pub Association and CAMRA's Better Rates for Pubs campaign to extend small business rate relief for pubs beyond April 2014.

"But locally we could look to bring back services to villages by working together - bringing the post office, councils and residents together. If we can bring more services like post offices, shops and internet cafes into pubs we can bring community facilities back and help give local pubs a sustainable future."