Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Supporting Local Growth

Monday 7 April 2025 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • High street rental auctions are used to address persistent shop vacancies in local high streets.
  • Lancashire county council and Fylde borough council have committed to fund the St Annes pier link project.
  • The Government is shifting towards funding local growth based on community-driven priorities rather than set criteria.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Josh Dean Lab Hertford and Stortford
Economy Business & Trade Local Government
Context

Local high streets, such as those in Hertford and Stortford, are crucial for community vitality and economic growth. There is already work being done on high street rental auction powers to address vacant shops.

Question

Local high streets like those in Hertford and Stortford are the heart of our communities and drive economic growth. I welcome the Government's efforts with local authorities on high street rental auctions to revitalise high streets by ensuring occupied shops. Will the Minister provide more details on how this initiative will boost occupancy rates and promote growth specifically for Hertford and Stortford?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Alex Norris)

High street rental auctions are a powerful tool to address persistent vacancies on local high streets, including those in Hertford and Stortford. We have already seen trailblazers moving forward quickly with these auctions. The powers and additional resources provided by the government are available for all councils to designate town centres and start their own auctions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details on occupancy rates were not given

How: We Have Trailblazers Moving Forward Quickly With These Auctions

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Q2 Andrew Snowden Con Fylde
Economy Local Government
Context

Lancashire County Council and Fylde Borough Council have committed additional funds to the St Annes pier link project. This is a critical step towards developing the Island site in St Annes.

Question

The recent commitment by Lancashire county council and Fylde borough council to fund the St Annes pier link project, including development at the Island site, marks an important milestone for growth in St Annes. What specific funds or grants are available from the Government that can further catalyse this kind of local economic development initiative?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Alex Norris)

We are shifting how local growth is funded in this country to better match what communities need rather than imposing criteria set by Ministers. Our funding plans, which will be revealed at the spending review, aim to provide long-term support aligned with community-driven priorities.

Not addressed: No specific details on available funds or grants were provided

How: Changing Subject To Discuss New Approach

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