A Solihull MP has urged the government to move “a lot faster and further” with its financial backing for village pubs.
Meriden and Solihull East MP Saqib Bhatti spearheaded a Westminster Hall debate, expressing how “immensely proud” he was of the pubs across his constituency.
Launching the discussion, he highlighted several establishments the MP suggested could makeup a pub crawl in his area, including:
The Malt Shovel in Barston
The Queen’s Head in Meriden
The White Lion in Hampton in Arden
The Boat in Catherine-de-Barnes
The Railway Inn, Dorridge
The Forest, Dorridge
The Red Lion, Knowle
“There is also the Drum and Monkey, my local, a famous country pub with a history dating back to the 1860s,” the MP remarked during the June 17 debate, reports Birmingham Live.
“We have almost 40 local pubs, which support 1,740 jobs.
“In the wider West Midlands there are more than 4,000 rural pubs, which employ 88,000 people and contribute £2.9 billion to the economy.
“Aside from the huge economic impact of these pubs they are also vital parts of the fabric of our rural communities.”
The 17th century White Lion Pub is in the heart of leafy Hampton in Arden near Solihull(Image: BPM)
However, he voiced concerns to fellow MPs about the consequences of government measures, particularly the increase in national insurance contributions affecting rural pubs nationwide.
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) reports that 161 pubs shut their doors during the opening three months of this year throughout England, Scotland and Wales – equivalent to two pubs daily.
BBPA data also indicates this resulted in approximately 2,400 job losses over the same timeframe. Dan Tomlinson MP, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, responded during the debate by highlighting that the government offers rural rates relief — though this applies solely to pubs situated in villages with populations of no more than 3,000.
“There are a couple of thousand businesses across the country that make use of the rural rate relief scheme, which covers shops as well,” he said.
“I encourage all members to make sure local businesses are aware of that scheme, which was also in place under the previous government.
“I know it is welcomed by those businesses that use it.”
Wrapping up the debate, Mr Bhatti stated: “Hospitality is crying out for more breathing space.
“The government need to go a lot faster and a lot further.
“Not doing anything is also a decision and will have huge impacts because more and more pubs will go under.”
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