£3.3m plan to help local pubs

March 30 2010

A £3.3 million Government programme will help 50 communities set up and run community-owned pubs.

The programme, led by the Plunkett Foundation — the organisation that helps rural communities improve facilities and services through community ownership — is part of a 12-point action plan announced by Pubs Minister John Healey.

Up to 40 pubs are closing each week. Co-operative ownership has helped save village shops and it is hoped this programme will do the same for pubs.

Plunkett Chief Executive Peter Couchman commented: “Pubs are vitally important to communities. They provide places where people can come together to socialise and join in a number of community activities.

“Community-ownership can secure the future of pubs, just as it is doing for village shops, through harnessing the creativity and energy of a whole community. We’re delighted with the announcement of the support to help set up community-owned pubs and this, we believe, will make a real and lasting difference to communities.”

Mr Healey said: “The measures are a much-needed in these tough times. It is a boost for local communities, giving them a greater stake in the future of their local pubs.”

The Community-Owned Pubs Programme, led by the Plunkett Foundation and developed with the Office of the Third Sector, will be delivered in partnership with organisations with experience enabling community-ownership including Pub is the Hub, Co-operative and Community Finance, Co-operatives UK, CAMRA and the Co-operative Development Network.