Parliamentary motion urging a freeze in beer tax is now most popular tax campaign
Calls for a freeze in beer tax in the Budget now have more support than any other tax measure among early day motions (EDMs) signed by MPs, as the number supporting has reached 100.
The milestone follows a strong campaign from Britain’s pubs and brewers, the British Beer and Pub Association, CAMRA and SIBA, which includes the publication of a new report showing that 900,000 jobs depend on beer and pubs – and almost half (44%) are younger workers aged 16-24, who need job these vital jobs the most.
The report, by economic experts Oxford Economics for the British Beer & Pub Association, also finds that the industry pays out £11bn in wages, and adds £22bn to the economy. Brewing itself sustains 80,000 UK jobs, but it is in pubs where the jobs impact is most felt, with 820,000 jobs. The industry also spends over £1bn in capital investment, and pays an astonishing £12bn in total taxes.
Andrew Griffiths MP, the Burton MP and chairman of the all party Parliamentary Beer Group, who has spearheaded the campaign in Parliament, commented: “The Chancellor’s cut in beer duty last year was a historic, confidence-building measure for this vital sector. But with beer tax having risen by 42% over the previous five years, more action is needed. It will take many years to undo the damage and at the very least, a freeze is needed. At very little cost, the Chancellor can protect 2,400 jobs in a great British industry. It is a win-win situation.”
Brigid Simmonds, BBPA chief executive, added: “I want to thank MPs of all parties for their tremendous support. For all those campaigning in our industry, there is still time to ask your own MP to help the campaign, or highlight the importance of beer and pubs in your own area, using our Oxford Economics Impact Report.”
