Rutland MP Alicia Kearns has discussed planned changes to beer duties paid by brewers to the Treasury.

Mrs Kearns talked with representatives from the Oakham-based Grainstore Brewery, the Melton-based Round Corner Brewery and the Society of Independent Brewers.

For more than a decade the smallest brewers have been able to claim a relief in beer duties, which supporters say not only helps keep them in business but has also fostered a growth in the diversity of the brewery sector.

However, critics say that because they face higher duties as they grow, the tax disadvantage from growing stops smaller breweries from expanding.

Even so, some of the smaller brewers say planned changes could force them out of business, leading to them to demand meetings with Mrs Kearns and other MPs.

After the Friday talks, the MP said on twitter: "We must support our small beer brewing industry - that means looking again at Small Brewers Duty Relief which I'll take to the Treasury."

Round Corner Brewing said: "We are lucky to have

@aliciakearns representing our concerns about proposed changes to beer duty which means small struggling breweries subsidise bigger wealthier ones. Times are tough enough without this."

Background on the issue can be found here from the Morning Advertiser.

Oakham Ales, which is now based in Peterborough, gives its views here.