Pubs welcome Big Society

The pub industry has reacted positively to David Cameron’s Big Society plan, unveiled yesterday. Describing the proposals as a “big advance for people power”, Cameron called on communities to take over from the government in running local services, including their local pubs.

As he outlined the detail of this core manifesto pledge, Cameron named four “vanguard” projects for the scheme in Liverpool, Windsor & Maidenhead, Eden Valley in Cumbria and the London borough of Sutton.

Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said: “We are pleased today’s launch by David Cameron of the government’s Big Society initiative recognises the community value of pubs and is looking at ways of supporting this vital local asset. We look forward to discussing with ministers a wider range of measures aimed at doing so.

“There are considerable opportunities to formally recognise the role pubs play in community engagement and to develop the right incentives and rewards for their broader remit in local communities.”

The Campaign for Real Ale also welcomed the prime minister’s recognition of pubs as local assets. The group has written to the UK government seeking assurance that adequate resources will be available for communities wishing to take over their local pub.

Jonathan Mail, CAMRA head of policy & public affairs, said: “Government has a key role to play in enabling communities to come together to save their local pubs”, going on to confirm: “CAMRA is committed to ensuring the government back up their vision of a Big Society with practical legal, business and financial advice to ensure the success of community attempts to save local pubs through community ownership.”

This transfer of power and responsibility from the state to individuals has raised concerns among critics that the government is simply trying to conceal cuts in public spending. There were also queries about the corresponding need for a shorter working week and higher minimum wage to offset the demands of this scheme.

Labour leadership candidate Ed Milliband cast doubt on the project, arguing: “You cannot say you are all in favour of the big society and volunteering and, at the same time, cut back on that support.

“Cameron’s government is cynically attempting to dignify its cuts agenda by dressing up the withdrawal of support with the language of reinvigorating civic society.”

Cameron denied these charges, saying: “This is not about trying to save money, it is about trying to have a bigger, better society.” He promised to make available funds from dormant bank accounts to support charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups taking over these public services.

Gabriel Savage, 20.07.2010