A light hearted Commons moment by Rochdale MP Paul Waugh has racked up tens of thousands of views online after he used a well known local phrase while pressing ministers to support struggling pubs.
A short clip from the House of Commons shows Mr Waugh listing a number of pubs across Rochdale and Littleborough while raising concerns about rising costs and business rates facing landlords. He ended his question with the words up the Dale and down the ale, a phrase closely associated with Rochdale and its football club.
The video has been widely shared on social media over the past week and has attracted more than 60,000 views. Residents, pub regulars and Rochdale supporters have praised the moment for capturing local pride while highlighting pressures facing the pub trade.
Behind the humour, Mr Waugh used the debate to call on the Government to act on business rates and long term sustainability for pubs, many of which he said play a central role in their communities.
Ministers have now confirmed a package of measures aimed at supporting pubs across England. From April, pubs will receive a 15 per cent reduction on their new business rates bills on top of previously announced support, with bills then frozen for a further two years.
The Government has also committed to a review of how pubs are valued for business rates, new planning flexibilities, extended opening hours for key World Cup match days, and more than double the funding available to help pubs provide additional community services.
According to the Government, the changes mean the average pub will be around £1,650 better off next year, with around three quarters of pubs seeing their bills stay the same or fall.
During the Commons exchange, the Leader of the House told MPs that a pub support package was being actively worked on and would be announced shortly. That announcement has now been confirmed, with ministers saying the relief will be delivered through local authorities using existing definitions to ensure it is targeted at pubs and music venues.
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 also said a wider High Streets Strategy will be published later this year, focusing on longer term support for town centres and local businesses.
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