“Scrooge-like” Government axes support for pubs.

The UK government has prematurely ended the community ownership fund, initially set to run until March, to reallocate funds to Sir Keir Starmer’s priorities. This decision, criticised by Andrew Griffith as “worthy of a scrooge,” leaves millions unspent despite £135 million already aiding 409 projects. The scheme’s closure impacts pubs, music venues, and historic sites amid rising cost of living pressures.