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MP welcomes cash help available for pubs, and urges landlords to take advantage The allocation of millions of pounds to help communities keep their local pubs open and thriving has been welcomed by North East Somerset's MP Dan Norris, who is writing to landlords in his constituency urging them to seek out the help that is available. "Pubs are often a social hub in small rural communities - but in common with other businesses, the global recession has brought significant pressures," he said. "This new package of Government measures is designed to save community pubs, helping them to help themselves". The money is part of a 12-point action plan to give practical support nationwide. Figures released last month by the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) showed pub closures for the last six months of 2009 running at 39 a week (down by a quarter on the 52 a week for the first half of 2009). It is believed that 24,000 jobs have been lost in this sector. New Government funding, announced this week, will pay for business advice for landlords through an established nationwide advice service, Pub Is The Hub, which operates in the south west. New powers will also be put in place for councils to intervene before a pub is demolished, to allow communities to have a say on land use. Planning laws will also allow pubs to branch out into new commercial ventures, such as restaurants, gift and books shops, without seeking council approval. The Government is also looking to sever so-called "beer ties" - the rules requiring tenant landlords to buy supplies only from pub companies. Landlords will be able to buy locally sourced guest ales as well as their usual stock. If the industry fails on its promise to deliver this, the Government has threatened that legislation will follow to open up the market. The Pubs Minister John Healey has also announced three independent studies to consider where further support can be offered to the sector, and to ensure the long-term viability of pubs. These will examine ownership and management, skills, and the particular issues affecting not-for-profit clubs, such as working men's clubs. He said: "These measures are a much needed shot in the arm for publicans in these tough times. They will make it easier to diversify, lower costs and cut red tape when it comes to branching out. It is also a boost for local communities, giving them a greater stake in the future of their local pubs often so important in bringing people together." Another key measure
is £3.3m funding to allow up to 50 community-owned pubs to be set
up through The Plunkett Foundation. This will help communities to be actively
involved in delivering and maintaining the services and benefits they
want locally through their local pub. Funding will be matched by loans
from third-sector organisations and contributions from the communities
themselves. Information is available from info@plunkett.co.uk
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