Government 'sympathetic' to pubs in crisis but no fresh cash to save at risk locals

The government is “sympathetic” to the plight of struggling a minister has insisted. Business minister Gareth Thomas stressed there was “discussion across government” when asked what more could be done to help the battered sector.

But it comes as pubs are crying out for support after a jump in costs this month from a hike in employers’ national insurance and the minimum wage. Recent figures from the revealed . Camra also confirmed that 1,062 pubs were left empty last year after calling last orders.

The is highlighting the plight of the industry with our campaign. Among our demands is extra help to allow communities to take over their at risk local, after a government scheme was ditched before the .

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Mr Thomas said: “We are sympathetic to the ambitions of communities to take over and keep assets that bring people together”.

However, he sidestepped calls to launch a new scheme, backed by fresh funding. It comes against a tough backdrop, with unprotected departments facing cuts in the looming spending review.

Instead, the government is hoping to reform licensing rules to boost pubs’ takings.

A taskforce - which met for the first time this week - has been set up to put together proposals to cut red tape, speed up the process and bring a consistent approach across local authorities in England and Wales.

It could lead to quicker decisions on allowing outside drinking, later opening hours and live music events. Mr Thomas said the aim was to produce an initial set of ideas within six weeks.

Nick Mackenzie, chief executive of pub and brewing heavyweight Greene King and chair of the British Beer and Pub Association, is co-chair of the taskforce and backs the need to reform licensing rules.

He said approving, for instance, outside drinking can take months, if not longer. “These are things we have asked for in the past,” he added.

Mr Mackenzie admitted it was tough for the industry, with changing consumer habits, higher costs and competition from . But he added: “It is an incredibly resilient sector. It has always been able to adapt.”

Asked how tough it is at the moment, Mr Mackenzie said: “These are challenging times. But is the pub still strong and part of the DNA of this country, is it still an important part of many, many communities around the UK? Absolutely.”

Mr Mackenzie said the firm had “tweaked its investment levels” because of the increase in worker-related costs, but added that it would not in itself lead to price rises.

Camra is among those wanting Ms Rayner to relaunch the Community Ownership Fund, which allowed local groups to apply for cash to buy pubs and other buildings deemed vital to their area.

pointed to its Community Right to Buy, which will give locals the chance to take over assets such as boozers before they go on the market.