GOVERNMENT PROMISE TO HELP COMMUNITY PUBS

Treasury minister John Healey has promised to consider any proposals to help community pubs.

Speaking at the All-Party Parliamentary Group inquiry into community pubs he has asked it to forward any proposals or evidence of ways he can help community pubs as soon as possible so he has a chance to consider them before the Chancellor's next budget.

However, the minister has admitted that the Treasury was 'heavily constrained' in making any VAT cuts on draught beer for pubs because of Europe.

"Our essential problem with the VAT system is it's a Europe based system," he said.

He said he will be happy to look at any evidence on whether the Hotels Building Allowance and the Small Firms Loan Guarantee schemes can be extended to give assistance to community pubs.

"I invite the group if there was a particular argument or evidence on this to present it earlier rather than later," he said.

He also said that government was currently looking at ways to cut the amount of regulations and red tape on businesses. It is currently conducting a major audit on the cost of regulation to businesses.

Full article can be found at: www.thepublican.com