National chairman Nik Antona (pictured) has written to all members and thanked those that took part in the Campaign’s e-lobby calling for a fair deal in last week’s Budget – one of the most significant in recent years.

“I wanted to take the time to say thank you to the thousands of CAMRA members who used our e-lobbying page to contact their MP in the past few weeks about the need for a fair deal for our pubs and breweries in this week’s Autumn Budget.

“Disappointingly, there wasn’t much clarity for licensees, brewers, cider makers or consumers.

“There was an announcement about extending and increasing relief with business rates for hospitality businesses in the next few years. However, some big decisions have yet to be made.

“In the coming weeks and months, we will be keeping up the pressure for pubs and breweries to get support with rocketing energy bills beyond April 2023. The government has said it will be making this decision before Christmas.

“We are also campaigning for a freeze in alcohol duties. A decision on this is going to be made separately, as part of the Alcohol Duty Review which will see a new, lower rate charged on draught beer and cider served in pubs and clubs introduced in August 2023.

“This new draught rate is something CAMRA has long campaigned for, and it’s positive that the government remains committed to its introduction.

“And we’ll be pushing for wholesale reform of the business rates system which unfairly penalises pubs in its current form.

“If we want to see the UK’s pubs and breweries survive and thrive then we need action on energy bills and a new system of alcohol taxation that encourages pub-going and gives our locals a chance to compete with the likes of cheap supermarket alcohol.”

Nik said the Campaigns team will keep CAMRA members updated on CAMRA’s website and social media channels – but in the meantime, members can stay up to date by visiting the PUBlic affairs update on the What’s Brewing web pages.

He reminded members it’s going to be a tough festive season for our locals and urged them to make sure to head out and support pubs and clubs.