Following a lengthy consultation, the Commons passed the order in early April. Many rural pubs are struggling to compete due to lack of investment from pub companies. The Government's original proposals suggested that rate relief should only apply to singly-owned village pubs. The Government estimates that over 8000 pubs will benefit from mandatory rate relief. We have campaigned for several years for rural pubs to be regarded as essential community amenities in the same way as post offices and shops and the Government has finally listened.
Pubs are often at the heart of small communities and are every bit as important as other amenities.
It comes at a crucial time when many country pubs are suffering lost trade due to the foot and mouth disease outbreak. Rate relief will help, but we now need to see pub operators and brewers follow the Government's example and build long-term investment plans for marginal rural pubs.