Chris Elmore MP has pledged support for the Long Live the Local campaign to help pubs and breweries in Ogmore recover and thrive. Chris Elmore joins over 170,000 members of the public who have signed the petition so far, including 192 in Ogmore.

Chris Elmore MP is calling on the Government to take action to reduce the burden of taxation on brewers and pubs. Businesses still recovering from the pandemic have been thrown headfirst into an energy crisis which, combined with ongoing inflation across supply chains, is having a devastating impact on brewers and pubs in communities throughout the UK.

Pubs and breweries in Ogmore support 956 jobs and contribute £20.5m to the local economy. With one in every three pounds spent in UK pubs going directly to the Treasury, British drinkers and pub goers are some of the most taxed in Europe, and this is hampering the recovery of our cherished locals and Britain`s brewers.

Commenting on the campaign, Chris Elmore MP said:

“Pubs are at the heart of communities across Ogmore, throughout the pandemic they demonstrated great resilience and innovation, however the aftershock of the pandemic combined with the energy price and cost of living crises means many pubs remain at risk. That is why I am supporting the Long Live the Local campaign and calling on the Chancellor to consider reducing the burden of taxation on pubs and brewers.

Under the UK Tory Government we have seen taxation upon businesses and families rocket to their highest levels in generations. Worst still, this high level of taxation isn’t being met with exceptional public services and that’s because the Tories have allowed inflation to run away into ridiculous numbers.

It’s clear that if we want a strong and successful UK economy we need growth. Supporting local pubs and breweries forms part of that strategy as empty high streets or closed local employers will not deliver a growing economy. The Labour Party is focused on our mission to secure the economy we all need and deserve. One that is grounded in decent jobs with decent pay.”

Further notes:

LONG LIVE THE LOCAL CAMPAIGN BACKGROUND

Long Live the Local is a campaign backed by British Beer and Pub Association. The campaign celebrates the positive role of pubs and highlights the challenges they face, specifically an unfair tax burden, which is set to increase. Further information about the Long Live the Local campaign can be found via www.longlivethelocal.pub.