The Campaign has repeated its call for a Budget beer duty cut and fairer business rates for pubs following a think tank report that found locals deliver invaluable socio-economic value to the UK and communities.

CAMRA national chairman Ash Corbett-Collins said: “This Localis report confirms the nation’s pubs deserve government support in recognition of their community value and the role they play as a vital part of our social fabric. Ahead of the Budget next month, the government needs to act to promote and protect the UK’s world-renowned pubs.

“Reports that the chancellor is looking to raise beer and cider duty in the Budget are extremely worrying. This is the last thing our pubs need and could lead to further closures. That’s why CAMRA is calling on Rachel Reeves to use the Budget to cut duty specifically on draught beer and cider served in pubs, social clubs and taprooms to encourage pubgoing and help promote and protect our locals.

“CAMRA is also calling on the chancellor to deliver on the Labour manifesto promise of introducing a fairer business rates system in England. This is desperately needed to stop our locals being crippled by huge rates bills under an unfair system that penalises bricks-and-mortar businesses like pubs over online giants who need to pay their fair share.”

Pictured: Coastguard pub, Kent