A CUMBRIAN MP is urging the Chancellor to reconsider making changes to a scheme which has contributed to the success story of small breweries.

Penrith and the Border MP, Dr Neil Hudson, has joined a cross-party group of MPs calling for changes to the Small Breweries Relief Scheme (SBR) to be scrapped.

The scheme gives those producing 5,000 hectolitres a year – about 900,000 pints – a 50 per cent discount on beer duty. But in July the Treasury announced plans to reduced the threshold to 2,100hl, meaning more than 150 small breweries would have to pay more tax.

Dr Hudson said: “

These are vital businesses in our rural economy and now is not the time to be making changes to this scheme.

“This part of the hospitality sector, including pubs and restaurants, has been hit hard by the pandemic and I will continue to call for Government support to help these Cumbrian businesses weather the storm.”