Several residents and publicans have contacted me in recent days regarding the campaign to cut beer duty and support our local pubs.
Constituents should have no doubt of my support for our communities: from charities and community centres to pubs and independent shops.
Over the past twenty-five years, taxes have increased to the point where pubs and breweries are finding themselves overtaxed and under genuine pressure. Covid has compounded and worsened these pressures.
There is broad recognition of the need to reform the current duty system to support the alcoholic drinks and pubs sector in the longer term. I support all who campaign to keep our locals open.
Each year, I remind the Chancellor that Beer Duty, when frozen, helps to preserve our community pubs.
Fair taxation should not mean excessive taxation.
I declare my interest as a life member of CAMRA and a supporter of our local publicans and their communities in Worthing and Arun.
