08-May-2009
Morning Advertiser - More cash to make pubs the rural hub
Licensees at rural English pubs could get access to more Government cash to diversify or expand under new plans
Funding limits on grants to help rural firms, via Regional Development Agencies, are to be expanded from 50% up to 100%, Environment Secretary Hilary Benn has announced.
The money is part of the Government’s £3.9bn Rural Development Programme for England.
Regional Development Agencies have been working with the Prince Charles-backed regeneration scheme Pub is the Hub to assist hosts to offer new services to help their local communities.
Last year Benn accompanied Prince Charles on a visit to the Black Swan in Ravenstonedale, Cumbria, which received funding to diversify under Pub is the Hub.
Pub is the Hub co-ordinator John Longden said: “It’s nice to know there’s a
bit of recognition of the value of small businesses in their areas.
“The average cost of a Pub is the Hub scheme is around £14,000 to £16,000 so if the grants can be increased to 100%, that would attract good licensees who are thinking of diversifying.”
Benn said: “I want to make it easier for rural businesses to benefit from rural development funding.
“Many businesses are finding it hard to get credit or finance from the private sector, so they need to be able to benefit fully from help available from Government.”
The funding changes are subject to approval from the European Commission.
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