High Street Businesses 2024-09-05
2024-09-05
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted the decline of high street businesses in his constituency and criticised the previous government's economic policies.
What steps is your Department taking to help support high street businesses facing financial difficulties due to late payments, retail crime, and unfair business rates?
We are working with businesses to breathe new life into high streets by stamping out late payments, tackling retail crime, and seeking to create a fairer business rates system.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions and timelines not provided; vague statements used
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP praised his town's special high street businesses but noted their financial strain and criticized the previous government.
What will your Government do differently to support high street businesses such as Rose's café in Shefford and Jamie's Shoe Repairs, which have been struggling due to economic policies?
We set out a five-point plan in opposition including a fairer business rates system and tackling retail crime, for which Treasury colleagues are working hard.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific actions or timelines given; only referenced future work
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP noted Eastbourne's selection as a towns fund beneficiary but is awaiting further instructions from the government.
Will you work with your MHCLG colleagues to update me on whether Eastbourne's high street businesses will benefit from the £20 million towns fund investment?
The towns fund is managed by MHCLG; I will draw the hon. Gentleman's comments to their attention and ensure a meeting with him.
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Assessment & feedback
No clear timeline or action plan provided
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted the need for a cross-Government approach to support high street businesses.
Can you provide more details on conversations with other Departments to ensure comprehensive support for high streets through various Government policies?
We are working with Treasury and Home Office colleagues on issues such as fairer business rates systems and retail crime reduction.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific details or timelines provided; only general statements made
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP noted that SMEs now face thousands of pounds in fines for not upholding new employment reforms.
Will you consider exempting SMEs from any financial sanctions by the fair work agency, to avoid further burden on small businesses?
We have consulted widely with the business community; our reforms received support and we will continue working with small businesses on plan details.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific exemption or timeline mentioned; general statements provided instead
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP expressed concern over outdated and damaging business rates systems affecting high street businesses.
Can you assure us that comprehensive business rates system reform is coming soon, to support small businesses in desperate need?
Treasury colleagues are working on introducing a fairer business rates system and will bring forward proposals in due course.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific timeline or action plan provided; vague statements used
Response accuracy