MADAM – Further to your article last week in the SNJ, I very much regret any misunderstanding about my position on the legislation to deal with the problem of PubCos and future of pubs in Stroud Valleys and Vale.

I have always been keen to save our pubs and, from the outset of my time as an MP, promoted the need for an adjudicator and a robust code of practice that were introduced by the Small Business Bill.

During last week’s debate it became clear there would be unintended consequences associated with the proposed free market rents measures that could affect aspirant landlords and small brewers.

I could not vote for such consequences: in the interests of our pubs and the people who work in them, we need to get this right.

I therefore requested assurances for a proper review, as below; Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): ‘If there is a market rent review in two years, will it be sufficiently rigorous to satisfy tenants?’ Jo Swinson: ‘I can give an assurance that the review will be rigorous and that, in response to it, there will not only be this power for the Secretary of State, but, if he finds that there is insufficient protection for tenants as a result of the parallel rent assessments and the system is not working as it should, a requirement for him to bring forward the market rent only option.’ This legislation has still to complete its passage through parliament and I fully anticipate that the final outcome will be to everyone’s satisfaction.

Neil Carmichael

Member of Parliament for Stroud