NEW research suggests cutting taxes on beer has helped preserve local pubs says Philip Dunne, MP for Ludlow.

A study from the Centre for Economic and Business Research (CEBR) estimates more than 1,000 pubs in the UK would have closed if the Government had not scrapped the beer duty escalator and cut beer duty in 2013 and 2014.

The report also suggests that 750 million fewer pints would have been sold, undermining the 26,000 new jobs created.

It says the average cost of a pint of beer would be 16p more expensive had the Government not chosen to take action.

“These figures clearly demonstrate the positive effects of scrapping the beer duty escalator and cutting duty on the price of a pint of beer,” said Mr Dunne.

“Across the Ludlow constituency we have some really excellent rural pubs.

"They are often at the centre of life in towns and villages, so I am pleased that the chancellor has acted to protect the pub industry and keep costs down.

“Cutting beer duty not only helps pubs but also brewers. Real ale is undergoing a real surge in popularity at the moment, which is great news for independent brewers in my constituency.

"Lowering costs will give more room for investment, expansion, and further job creation locally.”