Govt to offer funding to rural pubs 

These extra services will include creating community cafes, village stores and play areas. 

Pub is The Hub – a non-profit organisation that supports local pubs to diversify their services – released a Social Value Report highlighting more than 40 pub projects that are currently stuck in limbo due to a lack of funding.  

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) committed £440,000 to help Pub is The Hub deliver these projects. 

Kate Dearden, minister for employment rights and consumer protection, said: 

“Rural pubs are hubs of their communities, and this government wants to support these vital community assets, creating jobs, supporting local economies, and providing residents with a place to socialise and come together.   

“That’s why, as part of the Plan for Change, we’re keen to help secure their future with this funding, alongside measures to slash red tape, modernise licensing and to create a fairer business rates system.”

Pubs have a vital social role 

Pub is The Hub aims to help 1,000 more pubs over the next three years, creating 2,500 jobs and 1,600 services for over one million residents.  

John Longden OBE, chief executive of Pub is The Hub, thanked the Department for Business and Trade for recognising the important role that pubs and publicans have in rural and deprived areas.   

“Publicans with their individual pub businesses have a vital social role in supporting local communities and helping people to overcome social isolation and alleviate feelings of loneliness. 

“They have a significant social value that is beyond economic impact. They are crucial in helping to bring people together and inspiring the provision of lost services and amenities.”  

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Nick Mackenzie, CEO of Greene King and co-chair of the Licensing Taskforce, said:  

“No one can underestimate the huge social and economic value of pubs. Our pubs are more than bricks and mortar where people eat and drink – they are places where people come together for all occasions and celebrations, they offer local employment and careers for people of all ages and can help in tackling loneliness. 

“Additional access to funding and less red tape is some welcome news to help pubs continue to adapt to meet the needs of their local communities.”

Concerns over loss of rural businesses 

The news comes as research by the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) revealed thousands of pubs, shops and bus routes and services have closed across rural communities in the past year alone.

Victoria Vyvyan, CLA president, said the government raising national insurance is resulting in job losses, inheritance tax reforms are seeing investment collapse and new capital gains rules punish those trying to pass businesses on.  

Sarah Lee, director of policy at the Countryside Alliance commented:

“Rural pubs are the heart of village life, providing jobs, social connection, and vital community services. 

“We welcome today’s funding to help pubs diversify, but more must be done to tackle the rising costs, business rates, and energy bills that are forcing too many to close. 

“A long-term, comprehensive strategy is needed to secure the future of these essential rural hubs.”

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