Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

High Street Regeneration

Monday 11 January 2021 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government has provided substantial support for high street businesses through grants, tax deferrals, and wage payments amounting to 4.6 billion in lockdown grants alone.
  • The Chancellor has announced a package of support including 200 billion aimed at high street small businesses, with top-up grants of up to 9,000.
  • Planning reforms such as use-class order changes and right-to-regenerate provisions are encouraged to attract private investment in town centres.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Flick Drummond Con
Economy Business & Trade Local Government
Context

The MP is concerned about the impact of the pandemic on high street businesses and their need for support.

Question

What plans does he have to support the regeneration of high streets, given that many are struggling due to the pandemic?

Answer from Robert Jenrick

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.

Answered
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Q2 James Sunderland
Business & Trade
Context

The MP notes that large online sellers and supermarkets have benefited from the pandemic, while small high street businesses face significant challenges.

Question

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?

Answer from Robert Jenrick

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures against online monopolies are not mentioned

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Q3 Claire Coutinho Con East Surrey
Business & Trade Local Government
Context

The MP serves on the Surrey economic growth board and is involved in efforts to revitalize Oxted high street.

Question

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?

Answer from Robert Jenrick

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific meeting request not confirmed

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Q4 Flick Drummond Con
Economy Business & Trade Local Government
Context

Waterlooville's high street was struggling even before the pandemic and now faces significant challenges.

Question

There is a vision for regenerating Waterlooville's town centre, but funding is needed. Are there any funds he can point her towards?

Answer from Robert Jenrick

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific Waterlooville funding not identified

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Q5 Steve Reed Labour (Co-op) Streatham and Croydon North
Business & Trade
Context

High streets are struggling to compete with online retailers, especially in terms of business rates.

Question

What measures will the Government take to ensure that high street retailers can compete on equal terms with online businesses?

Answer from Robert Jenrick

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures on equalizing business rates not addressed

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