Labour has announced a new £61 million government fund to help communities save pubs threatened with closure, marking a victory for the Mirror's Your Pub Needs You campaign.
Community Right to Buy Fund
The fund will allow concerned locals to take over cherished pubs or other local 'gems' that would otherwise be lost. This comes after a previous scheme was scrapped before the last general election and never replaced, angering those who relied on it. Campaigners say the lack of central funding made it harder to raise money to save pubs at risk.
More than 2,000 pubs have closed since 2020, fuelled by soaring costs, cheap supermarket competition, and changing customer habits. In the final three months of 2025, 188 pubs were lost, including 123 community pubs that rely on drinks sales.
Targeting Deprived Areas
The new fund will be targeted at deprived areas in England. Besides pubs, money will also be available to take over shops and other community assets in danger of disappearing.
Communities Secretary Steve Reed said: 'Pubs are the beating heart of our communities and the Mirror has shone a light on just how much they matter. ... The £61 million we're announcing today for the Community Right to Buy Fund will give communities the power and the cash to save their community spaces, including their beloved local, before last orders are called for good.'
Details about how the fund will work, who can apply, and how are due to be confirmed in the next month.
Industry Reaction
Paul Ainsworth, national planning policy adviser at the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), said: 'The number of community-owned pubs opening has noticeably slowed down over the last year, connected to the demise of the Community Ownership Fund. ... The news of this new funding looks set to be a vital lifeline for many pubs under threat of closure or conversion.'
Mr Reed said the funding is part of £301 million announced to support high streets and community spaces. Speaking in London, he said: 'I want communities to take more power for themselves. A new £60 million Community Right to Buy Fund will support groups to take over and run pubs, clubs, community centres and sports halls.'
He also acknowledged wider challenges: 'Trust in politics is at an all-time low. ... If our present system had the answers, then our country wouldn’t be in the state we find it in today.'
