A clip of Rochdale MP Paul Waugh standing up for local pubs in the House of Commons has gone viral online, racking up more than 60,000 views in just five days.
The moment, filmed during a debate in Parliament last week, shows Mr Waugh name-checking a string of much-loved Rochdale and Littleborough pubs before urging the Government to urgently back the pub industry over business rates. He ended his question with the line “up the Dale and down the ale” – a phrase closely associated with Rochdale, and famously the slogan of Rochdale AFC.
The light-hearted line struck a chord online, with the video being widely shared by residents, pub-goers and Rochdale supporters. But behind the humour was a serious message about the pressure local pubs are under and the need for government action.
That call has now been answered, with the Government announcing a new support package aimed specifically at protecting British pubs.
From April, every pub will receive 15 per cent off its new business rates bill on top of the support already announced at the Budget, with bills then frozen for a further two years. The package also includes a review of how pubs are valued for business rates, extended opening hours for key World Cup match days, new planning flexibilities, and more than double the funding available to help pubs provide extra services for their communities.
The measures mean the average pub will be around £1,650 better off next year, with three-quarters of pubs seeing their bills flat or falling.
During the Commons exchange, Mr Waugh highlighted the importance of pubs to Rochdale and Littleborough and the concerns many landlords have raised with him about rising costs and business rates. Responding from the Government front bench, the Leader of the House confirmed that a pub support package was being actively considered and would be announced in the coming days.
Commenting after the announcement, Paul Waugh MP said:
“From The Flying Horse to The Baum, from the Spring Inn to The Moorcock, our pubs are a huge part of what makes Rochdale and Littleborough special. They are where people meet, where local music and sport is followed, and where communities come together.
“The video might have made people smile, but the issue behind it is deadly serious. Pubs have been closing at an alarming rate and many of our local landlords are under real pressure.
“I’m pleased the Government has listened and brought forward a package that will give pubs real help on business rates, as well as looking at wider support. This is about protecting local jobs, local culture and the social fabric of our towns.
“Up the Dale and down the ale isn’t just a catchy line. It’s about pride in Rochdale, and standing up for the places that matter to our communities.”
The Government has said the new relief will be delivered through local authorities, using existing definitions and guidance to ensure support is targeted at pubs and music venues that play a central role in their areas. The announcement also confirmed that a wider High Streets Strategy will be brought forward later this year to look at how government can further support town centres and local businesses.