Government backs rural pubs with £440,000 community funding

Rural pubs across the UK are set to benefit from £440,000 in new government funding to help them deliver extra services for local communities. The investment, announced by the Department for Business and Trade, will support Pub is The Hub, a non-profit organisation helping pubs diversify by introducing facilities such as community cafés, village stores and play areas.

The funding will unlock over 40 projects currently paused due to financial constraints, helping pubs strengthen their role as local hubs and tackle rural isolation. Minister for Employment Rights and Consumer Protection Kate Dearden said “rural pubs are hubs of their communities, and this government wants to support these vital community assets, creating jobs, supporting local economies and providing residents with a place to socialise and come together “

Each £1 invested delivers over £8 in social value, according to Pub is The Hub, which plans to help 1,000 pubs diversify within three years—creating 2,500 jobs and 1,600 new services for more than one million residents.

The government intends that this funding will help support local jobs and opportunities whilst increasing community cohesion as part of its Plan for Change alongside its wider support offering for the hospitality industry.