Community Assets Bill - Amendment 17

Adam Jogee encouraged his colleague to arrange for Members of the House to visit a brewery, supporting the idea of fostering a closer connection between MPs and local businesses, which aligns with the spirit of the amendment. He also referenced a previous speaker who was willing to facilitate such visits, indicating a positive attitude towards the proposed amendment.

Mike Wood argued that the amendment is not substantially different from the existing assets of community value legislation, but it would provide an immediate right to buy for historic pubs before they face threats. He cited specific examples of community assets like the Crooked House and the Macbeth pub, stressing the importance of early intervention to protect local heritage.

Rebecca Smith supports the protection of heritage pubs in her constituency, noting the importance of these pubs in maintaining local history and community ties. She mentions several historic pubs in her constituency and emphasises the role of community groups in supporting these pubs. Smith also highlights the challenges faced by heritage pubs due to economic climate and Government tax increases, arguing that the legislation is necessary to ensure these pubs remain community assets.

Linsey Farnsworth supports the principle behind the Bill and the community right to buy, emphasising the importance of heritage and the empowerment of local communities. She highlights the significance of heritage not just in terms of bricks and mortar but also in terms of memories and community life. However, she also cautions that measures should not stifle progress and that newer venues should also be valued and protected. She supports the Government's measures, including community right to buy and reducing business rates, but notes that more needs to be done to help pubs survive and thrive.

Jopp supports the amendment, citing the importance of protecting historic pubs in his constituency, such as the Admiral Hawke and the Bells in Staines. He highlights the tragic loss of pubs in the UK, with 300 closures in the first nine months of the year, and emphasises the need for community investment and support for pubs, particularly in light of challenges such as business rates, minimum wage, and employers’ national insurance.

Ms Collinge supported the protection of heritage pubs but expressed concerns about creating additional bureaucracy. She highlighted the importance of heritage pubs in her constituency, shared personal experiences, and praised local business communities. She also discussed the government's efforts to support pubs through energy costs, rent reviews, and community empowerment measures.

Markus Campbell-Savours expressed support for the Bill, highlighting its importance for rural constituencies where the pub sits at the heart of community life. However, he raised concerns about the practical implementation of the restrictions on sale and community acquisition, citing the case of Emily’s Black Lion in his constituency where local residents have spent years attempting to secure the future of the pub. He emphasised the need for better funding, better access to finance, and a clearer pathway from community interest to community ownership.

Mike Wood interjected to clarify that the procedure and timelines in the Bill are the same as those introduced for assets of community value in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026, allowing community groups eight weeks to register an expression of interest and up to 18 months to get the bid together and complete negotiations.

Alex Ballinger agreed with Markus Campbell-Savours that pubs have become even more vital due to years of Conservative cuts to local government, resulting in reductions in community spaces such as libraries.

Linsey Farnsworth interjected to ask for the Government to see if anything can be done to empower communities such as hers in Somercotes, where raising money for a feasibility study is a significant challenge.

Lizzi Collinge highlighted the innovative community shares approach in her constituency and called for more Government support for community asset acquisition.

Adam Jogee raised a point of order to correct the record regarding the number of references made to his constituency in his speech compared to the hon. Member for Spelthorne’s constituency. He provided specific numbers to support his claim and requested an apology.

Nusrat Ghani stated that Mr Jogee has already corrected the record himself and suggested that there is no need to continue this matter as a point of order.

Matt Turmaine supports the bill, citing the historical and social significance of Watford’s pubs and the need to recognise the loss of these establishments. He mentions the importance of preserving pub heritage and the social roles pubs play in communities. He also highlights the decline in pub numbers, from over 55,000 in 2015 to nearly 10,000 fewer in 2024, underscoring the need for action to address this issue.

Alex Ballinger interjects to express concern about the rebranding of pub names and the loss of heritage associated with traditional pub names. He supports the bill and advocates for preserving the unique names of pubs.

Sarah Hall supports the amendment, emphasising the importance of pubs as community hubs, employers, and cultural institutions. She cites examples from Warrington, such as the 4T’s Brewery and the Barley Mow pub, to illustrate the need for robust protection. She argues for effective use of existing powers and community involvement in heritage preservation.

Alex Ballinger interjected to ask about the historical use of canals in Warrington for transporting ale, and raised concerns about additional bureaucracy in the planning system. He also inquired about the suitability of the asset of community value mechanism for heritage pubs.

Anna Dixon supported the idea of communities taking over heritage assets, citing the example of Bingley pool and highlighting the need for supportive local government to implement these policies.

Mike Wood questioned whether the Ferry Tavern in Warrington is not an asset of community value due to a lack of community interest or a systemic failure.

Adam Jogee congratulated Sarah Hall on her speech and highlighted the importance of preserving heritage pubs and breweries across the United Kingdom.

Argues that pubs are at the heart of community life and national identity. Supports the idea of pubs as community hubs and heritage sites. Critiques the Bill's focus on age criteria, suggesting it excludes newer but equally important pubs. Highlights the role of pubs in political engagement and community education.

Peter Prinsley thanked the hon. Member for Kingswinford and South Staffordshire for bringing forward the debate and suggested that all Members should consider membership of the APPG on beer. He mentioned the annual dinner of the APPG and was interrupted to be asked about his favourite beer. He was also asked about a pub visit in his constituency but did not provide a direct answer.

Nusrat Ghani addressed procedural points and engaged in discussions about the importance of pubs and the community value they add. She was asked about the impact of the Tobacco and Vapes Act on pub smoking restrictions and mentioned the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates' campaign 'Drop the Tap Tax'.

Anna Dixon recommended Dr Peter Prinsley's favourite beer and inquired about his opinion on the importance of the APPG on beer. She also suggested that the hon. Member for Kingswinford and South Staffordshire discuss the 'Drop the Tap Tax' campaign with the Chancellor.

Adam Jogee inquired about a pub visit in Dr Prinsley's constituency and the community value of pubs. He asked Dr Prinsley about his favourite pub, but no direct answer was provided.

Linsey Farnsworth mentioned the 775th fair in Ripley and the potential impact of drink-driving in the context of alcohol duty on beer.

Matt Turmaine inquired about the health benefits derived from lager or bitter based on the experience of physicians in the family.

Alex Ballinger mentioned the community value of pubs and the activities they host, such as the Hunting Tree pub's efforts to raise money for Guide Dogs. He also discussed the impact of smoking restrictions on pubs.

Chris Murray supports the principles of protecting historic pubs and emphasises the importance of heritage pubs in Scotland, which face similar pressures as those in England and Wales. He cites several examples of historic pubs in his constituency, such as the Sheep Heid Inn and the Tolbooth Tavern, to illustrate the cultural and historical significance of these establishments. Murray also highlights the disproportionate closure rate of LGBT venues and the need for better protection against demolitions, advocating for stronger planning regulations to safeguard these historic sites. He criticises the SNP's policies for exacerbating the closure rate of pubs in Scotland.

Anna Dixon supports the amendment, expressing her delight at the opportunity to speak on the Bill. She acknowledges the passion and motivation of the hon. Member for Kingswinford and South Staffordshire. She emphasises the importance of heritage pubs as community institutions, places of history, and meeting places. She provides personal anecdotes about family gatherings in pubs and the role of local independent breweries. She raises concerns about the Malt Shovel in Harden, a grade II listed building with historical significance, and the potential risk of arson to empty heritage pubs like The Old Glen House in Baildon. She commits to working with local residents to protect community assets and utilise the new powers provided by the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026.