Supporting High Streets 2025-11-04

Supports the motion highlighting how hospitality businesses were particularly hit by increased taxes leading to price increases, reduced hours, and job cuts.

Emphasises that Government policies hinder social mobility, especially for young people entering the workforce through hospitality jobs. Urges reversal of harmful policies to aid high-street businesses.

Provides an example from Salisbury chamber of commerce where a single mother working 30 hours a week now costs her employer more due to increased national insurance and living wage, leading to reduced hiring capacity. Criticises lack of impact assessment before policy changes.

Highlights the rising cost of essential items like breakfast ingredients and expresses concern over policies affecting local businesses and traditions, such as availability of a full English breakfast.

Welcomes the debate and suggests extending initiatives from his home council area in Northern Ireland to other councils to help rejuvenate high streets by supporting shop owners with grants for renovation and signage.

Seeks an opportunity to contribute but is not given time by Andrew Griffith.

Suggests that VAT thresholds are causing small businesses to adjust their working hours negatively, affecting tax take and economic growth. Advocates for policy changes to address this issue.

Asks about the tax gap linked to tax evasion on high streets, suggesting a need to tackle it across government departments.

Critiques the negative impact of reduced VAT thresholds and lack of support from HMRC for small businesses. Emphasises that crossing these thresholds can be disastrous for microbusinesses and their suppliers.

Asks a question but is not given time to speak, suggesting dissatisfaction with the process of contributions.

Raises concerns about misuse of levelling-up funds by Conservative donors, highlighting specific cases where taxpayer money was used improperly. Requests support in getting a response from the donor.

The Government does not understand the struggles of small businesses. They impose heavy burdens on businesses that have limited profit margins.

Government policies are creating an illusion of choice for business owners, who face real threats to their survival due to the burden imposed by current policies. This stifles economic growth and entrepreneurial activity.

Additional burdens like increased delivery costs caused by border restrictions are pushing businesses in constituencies towards closure. Government action is needed urgently to support these businesses.

The flexible labour market under the Conservative government has led to precarious employment conditions, with people unsure of their working hours and pay. This hinders workers' rights and economic stability.

The Scottish National Party was the first to introduce business rates relief for small businesses. Labour's current approach is disingenuous, reducing the price of a pint while increasing national insurance contributions.

Concerned about the financial impact on local government if business rates are reformed. Local councils rely heavily on this income for essential services.

Questions the effectiveness of current policies in supporting high streets, noting significant closures since 2010 despite Conservative government claims of support.

Pubs, restaurants and cafés in his constituency are struggling under the current government. Urges for sensible proposals to cut business rates and assist with rising costs.

Family businesses form the backbone of high streets, yet face significant challenges due to changes in national insurance contributions and employment rights. Calls for support measures to help these enterprises.

Critiques Government's policy on employment rights bill, arguing it will negatively impact businesses. Proposes reducing bureaucracy to support small businesses.

Defends Labour's actions in rejuvenating high streets after 14 years of decline under previous administration. Announces £5 billion for Pride in Place programme to support local communities. Proposes new powers for local authorities to tackle vacant properties and control betting shops.

Questions the Minister on unemployment figures since Labour came into power, noting that more people were employed under Conservative government.

Welcomes funding for high streets in her constituency through Pride in Place programme.

Points out the increase in businesses facing severe distress due to tax rises, questioning the effectiveness of raising taxes on economic growth.

Supports investment in NHS for its impact on public services and economy. Thanks Minister for recognising importance of supporting small businesses like sole traders.

Acknowledges previous government's mistakes but questions current policies, citing tourism sector reports that show negative impacts on employment and recruitment due to national insurance rises.

The Government is implementing measures like the Pride in Place strategy to support high streets, including rolling out high street rental auctions, banning unfair upward-only rent review clauses, supporting business improvement districts, reforming compulsory purchase processes, and opening a co-operative development unit. The focus is on addressing the legacy of neglect from the previous Conservative government.

Emphasises the importance of the pride in place programme for places like Ramsgate, where a high vacancy rate has been improved with community energy and support from the pride in place initiative. The previous 14 years of Conservative government left communities in decline.

Questions whether raising national insurance on small businesses has damaged their ability to hire more people, leading to closures despite the Government's peripheral actions. Argues that this decision is a significant factor in high street decline.

Highlights the growth mission fund investment in her constituency as evidence of non-peripheral Government action, contrary to previous statements. The 14-year legacy of Conservative government led to high street decline.

Asks for consideration on regenerating towns and city centres by building on brownfield sites and setting proper housing targets within city centres instead of peripheries. Questions the Government's approach to high street regeneration.

Critiques the Conservative party for damaging high streets, citing an example in Hastings where levelling-up money given to a donor was misused. Asks whether the Conservative party will return this money.

Asks a question but does not provide a detailed position on the issue.

Questions whether the 25% cut in regulation will occur before or after the Employment Rights Bill, highlighting concerns about potential increased regulatory burden for businesses.

Highlights the immediate pressure on small businesses from energy bills and questions whether current measures offer real help in the short term. Argues that 'jam tomorrow' solutions are not sufficient.

Notes that under the previous government, 7,000 pubs were closed and questions whether current plans address this issue adequately. Emphasises the importance of ensuring thriving high streets for local communities.

Highlights challenges faced by high street businesses from national insurance increases, sky-high energy bills, and uncertainty about the Employment Rights Bill's implications. Calls for more substantive action to support small businesses.

Highlights the importance of skills training for business owners and managers in North Norfolk. He praises local councils' efforts to provide necessary training and emphasises the need for more ways to upskill business owners.

Raises concerns about rising business rates affecting hospitality businesses in West Dorset, with an example of a hotel seeing its rates increase from £8,000 to £27,000. He urges the Government to address such issues.

Discusses the plight of hairdressers in her constituency due to a combination of high utility supply costs, wage hikes, business rates increases, and employer national insurance contributions. She highlights how these factors are squeezing very thin margins.

Suggests creating more affordable housing in town centres through flexibility in planning law to help create a workforce for hospitality and tourism businesses. He also emphasises the need for solutions that can have a knock-on impact on economic prospects.

Questions the retention of business rates locally, with only £1 million out of £40 million retained by Surrey Heath borough council. He calls for more just ways to raise funds and asks what action is being taken on business rates.

Asked how the Liberal Democrats plan to separate gas from electricity prices in the energy market.

Emphasised breaking the link between gas and electricity prices, reducing business energy costs, addressing retail crime, shoplifting rise by 48% over five years in England and Wales and a shocking 104% in London. She also highlighted the burden of sky-high energy bills and national insurance contributions on small businesses.

Acknowledged progress made by the current Government on issues inherited from previous Tory government, particularly regarding sanitary and phytosanitary deals but questioned about not mentioning specific achievements like future high streets fund.

Asked Sarah Olney to comment on the replacement of future high streets fund with pride in place programme and its impact on towns like Old Kent Road and Trowbridge. Suggested that targeted funds are beneficial but wider policies are needed.

Critiqued the Liberal Democrats' motion as gaslighting, claiming neglect and inaction from Conservatives on crime issues. Highlighted Labour's initiatives such as safer streets summer initiative and pride in place programme for high street rejuvenation. Defended Employment Rights Bill against Opposition criticisms.

Opposes the motion as he believes the current Government's tax policies are detrimental to business growth and high street regeneration, citing examples of increased business rates harming independent retailers.

Questions Tom Tugendhat on the impact of regulation on workers in hospitality and highlights the benefits of the Employment Rights Bill for former colleagues. She also points out that businesses are struggling to hire due to a lack of affordable housing.

Critiques the Government's national insurance increase and reduction of thresholds, arguing it has stifled business growth and hiring new starters.

Acknowledges the challenges facing towns like Oldham but believes there should be more support for local high streets. He mentions a lack of bank branches in certain areas and notes positive developments such as new bars and restaurants bringing life back into the centre.

Mr. McMahon expresses concern about the closure of shops, banks, and public sector agencies in Oldham, highlighting that these closures not only impact local businesses but also affect people’s livelihoods and memories tied to their town. He supports government strategies for investment, planning reforms, and initiatives like Community Britain while stressing the need for stricter criteria when approving such projects.

The right hon. Lady raises concerns about the narrow criteria applied by Cash Access UK in granting banking hubs, suggesting that these criteria may not adequately support towns like Portchester, where she is campaigning for a hub.

Mr. Rankin discusses the importance of high streets and small businesses in his constituency of Windsor, which includes a mix of heritage attractions and hospitality venues that generate significant economic activity. He highlights challenges faced by the pub industry and overall hospitality sector due to increased VAT, beer duty, business rates, and other financial pressures imposed by the government.

The hon. Member responds to Mr. Rankin's concerns about job losses in the hospitality sector, questioning whether Mr. Rankin would tell constituents that they will not receive a rise in the minimum wage.

Mr. Stuart mentions that under the last Labour Government, youth unemployment increased by 45%, arguing that current measures aimed at protecting workers are counterproductive and lead to job losses.

Supports local high streets with examples from his constituency like the China Rose restaurant in Bawtry and Death by Fudge in Rossington. Emphasises initiatives such as Shop Watch scheme reducing retail crime, and investment of £20 million through pride in place programme for Rossington regeneration.

Completely agrees with Lee Pitcher's views on the importance of high streets and the necessity to counteract negative impacts from the Conservative party on small businesses. Emphasises the need for collaboration and support.

Highlights the issue of shoplifting under the current government's policies, suggesting that Labour is implementing changes to improve safety and prosperity in high streets. References specific plans such as putting more police on the beat.

Critiques Labour's policies, stating that they are causing uncertainty for local businesses with increased costs due to employer national insurance, energy bills, and green levies. Proposes solutions such as abolishing business rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors.

Discusses the decline of high streets under Conservative leadership and highlights the impact of rising costs on regeneration efforts. Emphasises the importance of reversing this trend with proactive measures like investment in neglected areas.

Art and culture are crucial in reviving town centres. The work done by Reading borough council to create a similar hub is commendable.

While brief, Gregory Stafford acknowledges the importance of restoring old buildings, showing support for the initiative in Crewe.

High streets face existential threats from unaffordable costs and dwindling footfall. An August 2025 survey revealed that 42% of people nationwide believed their high street was worse than a year ago, rising to 55% in suburban areas. The decline is cultural as well as economic.

Retail and wholesale sectors are crucial in many constituencies. If retail losses were concentrated in one industry rather than dispersed, the challenge would be viewed differently.

Britain's high streets face immense pressure from online shopping growth and pandemic impacts, leading to a significant decline in footfall. Local businesses also struggle with retail crime, increased costs due to employer national insurance contributions, and VAT system issues for labour-intensive sectors like hairdressing.

Supports the hospitality sector through fundamental reform of business rates. Raises concerns about challenges faced by local businesses due to cost increases after recent Budget changes, impacting their viability.

Acknowledges long-term challenges in Weymouth town centre before the pandemic and highlights the need for partnership between national government, local authorities, businesses, and charities to revitalise high streets. Emphasises the importance of accessibility improvements for disabled individuals.

Supports the dog-friendly sticker scheme as it helps increase profits for high street businesses.

Highlights that £19.5 million of levelling-up funding was given to Weymouth under the previous Conservative Government, which has now been inherited by Lloyd Hatton's Labour administration.

Critiques the Labour Government for introducing higher national insurance contributions and lower thresholds for small shops, arguing it deters investment and employment. Emphasises the negative impact of increased electricity costs on businesses due to government policies towards net zero.

Provides an example of a small business owner, Andy Rafter, facing significant increases in national insurance contributions, which he believes deters investment and employment.

Discusses the impact of parking charges on high street businesses and suggests that data shows small parking charges do not significantly affect footfall.

Local businesses are struggling under rising costs, red tape, and taxes. The Chancellor cut business rates relief for retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors last year, leading to a rise in the average pub’s rates bill from around £4,000 to over £9,600 annually. Supporting local high streets is vital because they provide essential services such as pubs and post offices.

Supporting pubs through a fair excise regime is crucial for the heart of many high streets, as businesses face mounting pressures from Labour’s policies. High-street services such as post offices are indispensable in constituencies without banks.

The community post office in Malpas has reopened after sustained pressure but operates without cash facilities. Finding suitable premises for post offices is increasingly difficult due to high-street shrinkage and mounting pressures from Labour's policies.

The Shipley constituency includes thriving villages with village halls, churches, community post offices, pubs, independent shops, and cafés. Bingley’s anchor business is the Damart factory, which hosts community events. The town's pool remains closed due to cuts made by the Tories over 14 years and false promises of levelling-up funding that never materialised.

Congratulates Bradford council and Labour Government for upgrades to town centre; supports increased neighbourhood policing; highlights new business openings in Shipley; advocates for more housing on brownfield sites; calls for Homes England funding and planning reforms.

Supports local businesses like MJ’s Gym and the Cleeve Bookshop; criticises Government's support for small businesses at the cost of public spending cuts; suggests increasing digital services tax and online gambling tax.

Critiques Conservative policy failure under their 14-year tenure; highlights increase in crime and neglect on Portsmouth high streets; emphasises support for local businesses through safer streets campaign and neighbourhood policing; praises £20 million funding for regenerating community spaces.

Acknowledges advances made due to naming neighbourhood officers, thanks Conservative police and crime commissioner for the initiative.

Robertson criticises the Government for placing £7 billion in costs on businesses due to national insurance contributions. He questions whether the hospital budget should be supported by entrepreneurs, highlighting a conflict of interests between supporting public services and facilitating business growth.

McMahon argues that if Graham Stuart's argument is correct, he must support an increase in the national living wage as it directly impacts workers' ability to spend money within their local economies. He also points out the previous Conservative government's actions towards young people and employment rights.

Powell discusses the negative impact of previous Tory policies on London high streets, mentioning issues such as empty units, slot machine casinos, and vape shops. He supports new measures to prevent betting shops, vape shops, and other non-legitimate businesses from opening in high streets.

Smith emphasises the importance of small businesses for local economies, citing her family's business as an example. She highlights challenges faced by SME owners and the significant contribution these businesses make to employment and economic growth. She criticises recent Labour Government decisions impacting local businesses negatively.

The Labour Government’s business rates reform is nowhere to be seen. Subsequent Treasury reforms have raised concerns that larger businesses, which act as anchor tenants by drawing people to town centres, may be forced to close, which has an impact on smaller retailers by cutting the number of visitors to high streets. This was compounded by the Chancellor’s £40 billion tax raid, funded off the back of hard-working small business owners.

It is unusual that I find myself agreeing with the shadow Business Secretary... This Government understand the challenge before us—the shattered trust we need to rebuild. Rather than capitulate to the declinist narratives that suit the Opposition parties all too well, we are cracking on and delivering change, and coming at this from all sides.

I want to raise the concerns of fantastic businesses in the Yeovil constituency... Small businesses in the area, including the Acorn café, have told me that antisocial behaviour in Yeovil is negatively affecting footfall and trade. That is why we need the Government to invest more in community policing in rural areas.

I have a similar problem in Farnham... Can the hon. Gentleman have a word with his colleagues in Waverley to stop that?

One reason why house building on some of our car parks is being proposed is because of the Government’s underfunding of rural areas. I agree that parking charges are a problem... For too long our high streets have been left to decline. That must change.

Like people around the country, my constituents are tired of watching their high streets decline... Councils will be able to seize boarded-up shops, save derelict pubs and create space for genuine, innovative businesses that will revive our high streets.

Does the hon. Gentleman agree that we should also look at the police having the power to close illegal shops and stop them trading immediately, rather than having to take lengthy processes through the courts before they can be closed down?

Emphasised the importance of town centres as community hubs, highlighting local examples like Alton and Petersfield. Discussed the need for a good events calendar, cultural assets, community facilities, and initiatives that bring people into town centres. Noted challenges from out-of-town shopping and online commerce but did not blame Labour for these issues. Suggested more residential accommodation in town centres to attract more residents and called for better business rates and employment conditions.

Discussed the importance of independent traders in her constituency's thriving high street, specifically mentioning Minehead. Agreed with Damian Hinds that a blend of distinctive independents and brand-name retailers is key to success.

Commended Damian Hinds for his speech but added cultural institutions as important for high streets. Mentioned the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s death in Alton, highlighting how such events can regenerate local areas.

Criticised Conservative government's neglect of high streets leading to significant closures of pubs and shops. Emphasised the importance of community ownership schemes like saving a pub in Hebden Bridge, cutting red tape for businesses, and tackling late payments.

Agreed with Josh Fenton-Glynn about the lack of contrition from Conservatives regarding their neglectful legacy towards high streets. Highlighted the importance of community spirit in saving threatened businesses.

Mentioned local concerns such as the Farnham infrastructure project and Lib Dem car parking charges, highlighting specific issues relevant to his constituency.

SMEs in Bromley and Biggin Hill are struggling due to Labour's policies. The current high national insurance contributions and other measures are stifling growth and damaging businesses.

Labour understands the importance of investment in communities for entrepreneurialism. Issues like sickness absence due to NHS waiting times, rising shoplifting rates under past Conservative Governments, energy costs, and the impacts of Brexit have hurt high streets. Labour supports responsible employment rights and community initiatives.

Coastal communities like Scarborough have seen reductions in antisocial behaviour due to Labour's safer streets initiative, breathing new life into high streets. Brexiteer policies have had a direct negative impact on small businesses.

High streets are vital community centres facing struggles due to Labour's increase in national insurance contributions and upcoming Employment Rights Bill. Hospitality is particularly affected with high energy bills, rents, poor footfall, and job losses.

Supports draught beer duty relief as it could balance up taxes elsewhere and ensure locals are supported instead of facing greater costs.

High streets shape how people feel about where they live. The increase in national insurance contributions is hitting businesses hard, with a small café in Brixham facing an extra £15,000 in costs this year. Proposes exempting hospitality SMEs from the employer national insurance contributions increase and creating a new band to reduce the cost of employing part-time and seasonal staff.

Supports workers by not bankrupting their employers. The retail, hospitality and leisure sector employs 5.8 million people, generating billions for the economy. Labour's slashing of small business rates relief is a major issue.

Encourages local spending to support high street businesses; if each household spends £5 per week on local businesses, it adds up to significant economic benefits.

Shocked by Liberal Democrats joining Labour in supporting tax rises on struggling businesses. Encourages MPs to listen to the Leader of the Opposition's speech about £47 billion of savings that can help balance the books and save high street businesses.

Asked if under previous Conservative Administration, thieves could get £200 worth of goods with impunity. Debated myth about policy changes regarding shop thefts under £200 and questioned the validity of claims made by the shadow minister.

Asked for clarification on how the Government plans to achieve a 25% reduction in administrative costs of regulatory burden, as mentioned in their amendment. Questioned what baseline this 25% reduction would be from.

Asked how the Government plans to realise savings of 25% on administrative costs of regulatory burden, as stated in their amendment. Pressured for details on how this target will be achieved.

We want the rights in that Bill to be fit for the 21st century. However, I am astonished that right hon. and hon. Members on the Conservative Benches do not seem to see the connection between how much money people have in their pockets and the ability of their local high streets to thrive. Giving people more secure work and higher wages means that the money in their pockets ends up in the tills of local businesses.

The argument made is a correct one, which is why I advocate for lowering taxes. However, this Government have raised taxes and rates for businesses, and if we are to believe what the Chancellor has been saying this morning, we have all been warned that she is about to raise taxes on individuals as well. That is costing us all, because people are reining in their spending in anticipation of being poorer.

This is the problem; there is a certain cheek to the Conservative party leaving us a burning building and then criticising us for reaching for the fire hose. We had to stabilise the public finances, but this Government have an urgency today to support small businesses and help to get our high streets back on their feet. The cost of the Employment Rights Bill is around 0.4% of wage costs across the country, and the additional help that the Bill provides will have a huge impact on small businesses and high streets.

According to the Government, the figure is less than 5% of the cost imposed on business by the Employment Rights Bill. The Minister needs to be aware of this discrepancy.