Over the past few months I have received a number of cards and emails from members of CAMRA, who would like to see the rate of beer duty cut.
As a long-time supporter of real ales and ciders, I am keenly interested in helping to promote a sustainable and flourishing pub industry; which plays an important role in providing jobs, and enjoyment, for local communities.
Indeed, I have actively campaigned for a number of pubs across Broxtowe, including the Foresters in Newthorpe (which was saved from closure), and the New White Bull in Giltbrook. I have also been pleased to support some great local pubs such as the Crown Inn in Beeston and the Horse and Jockey in Stapleford, not forgetting our excellent local breweries such as the Blue Monkey in Giltbrook.
Although the next Budget is not due to be delivered until March, I am reassured by the Government’s strong record of supporting pubs and those working in the beer, spirits, wine and cider industries across the UK.
The tax on a typical pint of beer has been cut by 1p for the third year in a row, making an average pint 9p cheaper than it would have been under Labour's plan, which included a legally-binding automatic beer duty escalator scrapped by the last Coalition Government in 2013. This Government has also cut duty on spirits and cider by 2 per cent, something I know many had campaigned for, while the duty on wine will be frozen.
These changes have come alongside wider reforms to the industry which have helped to cut red tape and strengthen the power of local residents to keep pubs open. Together, this has helped to keep pubs at the centre of communities up and down the country, including in Broxtowe, and I will continue to support the Government’s hard work in this area.
Thank you for contacting me on this important issue.