Struggling pubs could have business rates waived while they get back on their feet, councillors say.

And Kirklees councillors this week voted to urge the government to allow communities a greater say in what happens to pubs at risk.

A cross-party selection of councillors called on Kirklees Council to lobby the Government for changes to the planning system.

A motion, backed by the Full Council, was submitted by Labour’s Clr Mehboob Khan, Clr Robert Light, leader of the Conservatives, Clr Kath Pinnock, Liberal Democrat leader, Clr Terry Lyons, Independent, and Clr Andrew Cooper, Green Party leader.

Clr Khan said: “The business rates idea is similar to what the government has done with rural Post Offices. It helps a struggling industry when they need it most.

“A business rates relief holiday would be for a temporary period to help them recover.”

He also said VAT relief and changes to the planning system would help, adding: “Now the council has this motion we’ll be writing to Eric Pickles about this issue.

“Pubs and working men’s clubs are at the heart of our communities and we want to save them.”

As a result of the vote, the council will formally call on the Secretary of State for Community to help protect community pubs and working men’s clubs by ensuring that planning permission and community consultation are required before community pubs and working men’s clubs are allowed to be converted to betting shops, supermarkets and pay-day loan stores or other uses – or are allowed to be demolished.

The motion adds that if the power was granted, the council could decide if they could be saved as valued community assets.

Clr Terry Lyons, Holme Valley North Independent, said: “It’s simple. We don’t want to see any more pubs or working men’s clubs close and be replaced by betting shops and the like.

“In Meltham we’ve good examples of how pubs have led to brilliant community ideas – the Meltham 1940s weekend came from a conversation in a pub.

“The working men’s club is welcoming the community after Tom Wroe’s memorial service – they provide a focal point for people.

“In times of austerity we know places will struggle. This is about us doing what we can to help.”

The council is working with the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) to gain the support of authorities across the country.