A poll by the Long Live the Local campaign and More in Common found that 58 per cent of people in the South East blame either national or local government when a pub shuts down.

The findings have sparked warnings from campaigners that politicians must prioritise the sector ahead of the local elections.

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “Despite recent important support from the Government and the many MPs across all political parties that champion pubs and brewers, voters clearly believe that there is still more to be done.

“Pubs are the soul of the community, create jobs, and, with a quarter of a million people joining our Long Live the Local campaign that supports the people behind the pint, including thousands in the South East, it’s no wonder people care about them so much.

“What the public want is a fair tax system for pubs, one that keeps business competitive and recognises their unique role as valuable spaces for communities across the country.

“We’re calling on the Government to continue to work with us and deliver permanent business rates reform, lower employment costs, cut beer duty and VAT to save countless locals who are burdened with huge regulatory costs.”

One third of respondents said fairer business rates would be the most impactful way to support pubs.

However, fewer than one in 10 said their MP had spoken up for the sector, and just four per cent believed their MP was doing enough to protect pubs.

The research follows January’s Budget U-turn for pubs.

Luke Tryl, executive director at More in Common, said: “One thing comes through really strongly in this polling, the British public really care about pubs, they think they are a central part of their community and they don’t think the Government is doing enough to protect them.

“In fact, over half of British voters blame national or local government for pub closures and want to see politicians at all levels doing more to stand up for them.

“At a time when the Government already finds itself struggling with a restless electorate a wave of further pub closures will only reinforce the frustration that those in charge are unable or unwilling to deliver for local communities across Britain.

“On the flipside taking action on issues like rates is one way the Government can show that it gets it, recognises the value of pubs and gets the public back onside.”

Cala Homes has launched its first Showhome of Support initiative at its Bliss Willows development in Chipping Norton, as part of its Community Pledge.

Under the scheme, a three-bedroom Rowan showhome and a four-bedroom Laurel showhome have been styled using accessories from independent businesses across Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds.

Alex Richards, regional managing director at Cala Chiltern, said: “We are very excited to bring our Showhome of Support initiative to Bliss Willows.

“It’s a terrific way to champion local businesses, and our new showhome in Chipping Norton is full of unique touches thanks to these fantastic creators.

“From artwork and candles to artisan food and accessories, the showhome reflects the character of Oxfordshire.”

The curated collection includes bread flour from Bruern Farm Shop, a wooden bowl from Oats Shop, Cotswolds Dry Gin from the Cotswolds Distillery, and a scented candle from the Cotswold Candle Company.

Other featured items include a ceramic coffee mug from the Beehive, landscape art by Josephine Trotter, and a reed diffuser from Hyde and Home.

Businesses involved are highlighted with signage throughout the showhome and profiled on Cala’s website.

Bliss Willows offers two- to five-bedroom homes within a new community setting that includes allotments, play areas, and open space.

Cala said all homes are built to its signature high standards, with modern layouts and quality specifications throughout.

Showhomes are now open. To book an appointment, go to the Cala Homes website.

Spirit Airlines, which once operated hundreds of daily flights on its bright yellow planes and employed about 17,000 people, said it had “started an orderly wind-down of our operations, effective immediately”.

The major airline known for offering budget flights said on its website that all flights have been cancelled and customer service is no longer available.

“We are proud of the impact of our ultra-low-cost model on the industry over the last 34 years and had hoped to serve our guests for many years to come,” the announcement said.

Spirit Airlines shuts down after 34 years – how to get refunds

If you’ve booked flights with Spirit Airlines to US hotspots, you might wonder what you should do to secure a refund.

The company told customers that they could expect refunds, but there would be no help in booking travel on other airlines.

It warned its customers not to arrive at airports following the cancellation of all its flights.

To check your refund status, you’ll need to log on to the website or search for your trip.

The shutdown was expected after Friday came and went without a needed government bailout for the cash-strapped business.

President Donald Trump said on Friday that his administration had given the budget carrier a “final proposal” for a taxpayer-funded takeover to keep it from going under, but a deal was not reached.

Mr Trump floated the idea of a bailout last week after the airline found itself in bankruptcy proceedings for the second time in less than two years, with jet fuel prices soaring because of the Iran war.

17,000 jobs could be affected by Spirit Airlines’ collapse

Spirit lawyer Marshall Huebner said that about 17,000 jobs could be impacted by a shutdown.

Spirit has struggled financially since the Covid-19 pandemic, weighed down by rising operating costs and growing debt.

By the time it filed for Chapter 11 protection in November 2024, the airline had lost more than 2.5 billion dollars since the start of 2020.

The budget carrier sought bankruptcy protection again in August 2025, when it reported having 8.1 billion dollars in debts and 8.6 billion dollars in assets, according to court filings.

Supporters of a rescue, including labour unions representing Spirit’s pilots, flight attendants and ramp workers, said a collapse would put thousands of Americans out of work and hurt consumers by reducing airline competition and increasing airfares.

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Where did Spirit fly passengers to?

Budget-conscious and leisure travellers would likely feel Spirit’s absence the most, especially in places where the airline has a big footprint, such as Las Vegas and the Florida cities of Fort Lauderdale and Orlando.

The carrier flew about 1.7 million domestic passengers in February, roughly half a million fewer than during the same month a year earlier, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Spirit also has sharply reduced its capacity, with about half as many seats available this month than in May 2024.