More Government commitment needed if it is 'serious' about levelling up

The Levelling up White Paper is described on the Governments website as ‘a moral, social and economic programme for the whole of Government’ and aims to set out how it will spread opportunity more equally across the UK.

BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin said: “If the Government is serious about levelling up the United Kingdom there needs to be a commitment to back those sectors, like our pubs and brewers, that are present in every corner of the country, every parliamentary constituency and at the heart of every community.

Enormous potential 

“The potential in our sector to act as an engine for growth and reignite local economies across the country is enormous.”

The report states it is ‘about the success of the whole country’ by realising the potential of every place and person across the UK, spreading opportunities for individuals and businesses, and celebrating each city, town, and village’s culture.

According to the report, a £150m Community Ownership Fund, which would give people across the UK the chance to become owners of their local pubs or football grounds, has been pledged.

Boosting local economies 

However, according to the BBPA, the Government need to ease burdens on the sector, such as taxation, in order to unlock huge investments and boost local economies.

McClarkin added: “The scale of investment that can be unlocked if the Government acts to ease the burden of taxation, making permanent the reduced rate of VAT, creating a fairer system for business rates, and reducing the rate of tax on beer, is huge.

“With the right backing, and our involvement in the next phase of this policy, we can help the Government drive their levelling up agenda boosting local economies and deepening critical social value to our communities.”