High Street Regeneration 2021-01-11
2021-01-11
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of the pandemic on high street businesses and their need for support.
What plans does he have to support the regeneration of high streets, given that many are struggling due to the pandemic?
The Government's priority has been protecting lives and livelihoods through substantial support for high street businesses, including business grants, wage payments, tax deferrals, and an additional £4.6 billion in lockdown grants announced last week. The Chancellor allocated £830 million from the future high streets fund to 72 areas to transform underused town centres.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP notes that large online sellers and supermarkets have benefited from the pandemic, while small high street businesses face significant challenges.
Online sellers and supermarkets have enjoyed a virtual monopoly since the start of the pandemic, whereas small high street businesses are struggling. What plans does he have to address this imbalance?
The Chancellor has made available a comprehensive package of support, including £200 billion specifically targeting high street small businesses. Top-up grants worth up to £9,000 have been announced for further support through this phase of the pandemic.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures against online monopolies are not mentioned
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP serves on the Surrey economic growth board and is involved in efforts to revitalize Oxted high street.
She met businesses on the Oxted high street that have struggled despite Government support. Will he meet her to discuss ideas for supporting these hard-working family businesses?
The hon. Friend's work on Oxted high street is praised. The Government supports councils and entrepreneurs through planning reforms, such as licensing arrangements and right-to-regenerate provisions, which encourage private investment in town centres.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific meeting request not confirmed
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Waterlooville's high street was struggling even before the pandemic and now faces significant challenges.
There is a vision for regenerating Waterlooville's town centre, but funding is needed. Are there any funds he can point her towards?
The future high streets fund has supported 72 places, and the levelling-up fund will soon be available to all parts of the country, including Hampshire. Planning reforms such as use-class order changes also support entrepreneurs in town centres.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific Waterlooville funding not identified
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
High streets are struggling to compete with online retailers, especially in terms of business rates.
What measures will the Government take to ensure that high street retailers can compete on equal terms with online businesses?
The Chancellor announced an unprecedented business rates holiday benefiting thousands of businesses. He will consider further necessary steps in his upcoming statement and Budget, encouraging support for planning reforms such as building upwards to attract private investment.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures on equalizing business rates not addressed
Response accuracy