My constituency of Burton truly is the brewing capital of the UK with over 5000 people employed in the beer and pub sector. I am determined to support the crucial work that pubs play in the social and economic life of our nation, as well as in helping to promote responsible drinking.

I am encouraged by the support which has been made available to pubs and our manifesto commitment to further cut taxes for small businesses. I have written to the Chancellor, ahead of the Budget, requesting a cut to beer duty on the 11th March to show the Government’s support for this important UK industry. I have also signed the ‘Long Live the Local’ campaign, and will continue to work with the All Party Parliamentary Group on Beer to help support Burton’s breweries and pubs.

You may also be interested to know that a one-third discount to business rates for pubs and bars with a rateable value below £51,000 was introduced in 2018 and has now been increased to a 50 per cent discount for 2020-21. On top of this, as many as 18,000 pubs are expected to benefit from the new Pubs Relief set to be introduced this April, which will take £1,000 off the business rates bills of qualifying small pubs.

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to write to me regarding this important matter.