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UK government pledges £3.6m for pubs
The British government has set aside £3.6 million to help local people buy out pubs that are threatened with closure.
The fund will provide advice, grants and loans to community groups looking to buy their local pub (Photo: Wiki)
The £3.62 million pledge is jointly funded by the Department for Communities and Local Government and the Power to Change Trust.
It will be used to help community groups take over the running of their pub, paying for advisors as well as providing grants and loans.
The government has also appointed a new pub trade watchdog to oversee the industry.
Former chartered surveyor Paul Newby has been hired by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills as part of its efforts to introduce a Statutory Pubs Code by the end of May 2016.
When introduced, the Pubs Code will govern the relationship between large pub chains of 500 or more pubs and their tenants.
As PCA, Newby will have powers to judge on individual disputes about breaches of the Pubs Code, including disputes on rent and market-rent-only options, and to provide redress.
He will also investigate suspected systemic breaches of the Code more widely across the sector, and he will have the power impose sanctions, including financial penalties.
Business minister Anna Soubry said Newby “has a wealth of experience in arbitration and is sensitive to the challenges that the pub industry faces.
“The Pubs Code will ensure the 12,000 tied tenants of the six largest pub-owning companies can secure a fair deal and a better livelihood,” she said.
Brigid Simmonds, chair of the British Beer and Pub Association, welcomed the appointment and the £3.6 million local pub pledge.
“Local people facing the loss of their pub risk losing something special that binds the community together,” she said.
“There is a huge amount of expertise needed to run a modern pub, from catering and hospitality, to licensing law and regulation. This funding will bring targeted help to those wanting to overcome the challenges and help keep their pub thriving.”