Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP asked about steps to support high streets, highlighting the impact of the pandemic and the need for government action.
What steps he is taking to support high streets, noting that the pandemic has had a lasting impact on them and they need leadership from local councils to adapt.
Billions of pounds of support have flowed through business grants, the furlough scheme and tax deferrals. Planning and licensing reform is underway to enable adaptation while preserving community benefits. Local councils are being supported with planning reforms like use class orders and permitted development rights.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide concrete steps or commitments specifically requested by the MP, focusing instead on general measures already in place or forthcoming changes.
Look To The Future With Renewed Optimism
The Role Of High Streets Has Always Evolved
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP asked about adapting planning policies to support the evolution and broadening appeal of high streets.
Does my right hon. Friend agree that planning policy must adapt, so that councils and businesses can make changes necessary to remain competitive and broaden their appeal?
Agrees with the need for a flexible planning system to support small businesses and entrepreneurs in adapting. The Government has put in place reforms such as use class orders, market hold rights and permitted development rights to enable business changes and growth.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide new specific commitments beyond confirming existing measures are being implemented.
We Need An Extremely Flexible Planning System
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP inquired about encouraging landlords to adjust rents for businesses that have lost trade or been unable to operate due to the pandemic.
What more can the Government do to encourage landlords to adjust rents where businesses have lost significant trade, or indeed have been unable to trade?
Helped businesses with cash flow through a business rates holiday and grants. Provided protection against eviction and insolvency, introduced a code of practice for rent negotiation and encouraged urgent conversations or mediation between landlords and tenants.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide new specific actions beyond confirming existing measures are being implemented.
Very Urgent Conversations
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP asked about the support for Mansfield's town deal bid and whether there will be a guarantee that they cannot get a lower amount if they re-submit.
Will the Secretary of State assure me that he will provide proper feedback and support for our new bid, and look at ensuring we cannot get a lower amount if we try again?
Provided £1 million of accelerated funding to Mansfield. Working with the council to prepare proposals through consultancy arrangements, looking forward to ensuring Mansfield gets necessary regeneration funding.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide a specific commitment on feedback or guarantees regarding lower amounts if they re-submit their bid.
Helping Prepare Proposals
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP asked about the importance of regenerating old, historic buildings as part of high street regeneration efforts.
Does my right hon. Friend agree that a significant part of regenerating our high streets needs to be bringing back into use old, historic buildings? That underlines why the Ipswich town deal bid is such a good bid because at the heart are plans to breathe new life into two iconic buildings.
Agrees with restoring and regenerating historic buildings. The funds made available include those from levelling-up fund and UK shared prosperity fund. Looking forward to working on proposals to ensure Ipswich gets needed regeneration funding.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide concrete commitments or actions beyond confirming support for restoring historic buildings in general terms.
Looking Forward To Working
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner expresses condolences to the family of Julia Clifford. He highlights the need for support on high streets and inquires about ensuring that funding under the levelling-up fund will be at least as much as received through local growth deals.
I offer my condolences on behalf of the Opposition to the family of Julia Clifford on their very, very sad loss. High streets need support to help them recover, so I ask if the Secretary of State can guarantee that the funding all areas receive under the levelling-up fund will be at least as much as they received under their local growth deal.
I am delighted to hear the hon. Gentleman's and the Opposition's new-found enthusiasm for business and supporting the wealth creators in this country. Of course, it was just over a year ago that they were supporting the overthrow of capitalism. We will keep on supporting small businesses on the high street with measures such as the Chancellor's business rates holiday, cut in VAT, and support for business grants. The £4 billion levelling-up fund builds on the success of the £3.6 billion towns fund to ensure communities across the country receive necessary funding.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about guaranteeing at least equal or more funding under the levelling-up fund compared to local growth deals was not directly addressed with a clear commitment or figure.
New-Found Enthusiasm For Business And Supporting The Wealth Creators
Overthrow Of Capitalism
Response accuracy