Government pledges £50k to help communities buy their pub
The announcement comes as Pub is the Hub publishes a guide (PDF) to help communities bid to take over their local.
Hopkins also announced the number of pubs protected thanks to communities’ use of their Right to Bid had passed the 500 milestone.
Speaking during a visit to the Fox and Goose in Hebden Bridge, which was bought with contributions from 262 locals, Hopkins said: “The Great British pub is a national treasure playing a crucial role at the heart of our communities, while providing thousands of jobs and boosting the economy by £21 billion a year.
Protection
"A lot of hard work has been put in by communities up and down the country to protect their beloved local from sell off and I am delighted we have passed this latest milestone of 500 pubs being afforded protection.
"Their efforts have been backed up by terrific support from organisations like Pub is the Hub and the Plunkett Foundation whose advice line, supported by the government, provides a wealth of advice and information for communities looking to take over their local. This is helping to create a growing number of thriving co-operative businesses run by and for the local community."
Pub is the Hub guide
Speaking about the new guide, Pub is the Hub chief executive John Longden, said: "Whilst we have been advising community groups over the last three years it has become apparent that they had become quite creative in the way that they were establishing themselves. All prospective pub-owning or operating communities can learn from them.
“We also felt that it was important to show groups that a good conversation with the existing owner about possible leasehold or tenancy options would avoid having to raise a very large amount of money to purchase the pub out at the outset; although sometimes this is the inevitable conclusion.
“Finally we always think it is best for groups to make contact with others that have done the same thing so that they can explain the short cuts, pitfalls or sheer hard work involved. We now hold a database of every community group that has made an enquiry through Pub is The Hub in order that we can follow their progress, hopefully through to completion and ask those who are successful to share their experiences.”
