Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

High Streets

Monday 15 June 2026 · 6 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government is committed to rejuvenating high streets with a 300 million strategy.
  • Government is reforming the business rates system to offer permanently lower taxes for independent bookshops.
  • Home Office has announced a high street organised crime unit to tackle shops selling illegal cigarettes and counterfeit goods.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Danny Chambers Lib Dem Winchester
Business & Trade
Context

The question arises from the current state of Winchester's high streets and the need for government support.

Question

What steps he is taking to support high streets. I am concerned about the decline of our high streets, which has been sped up by austerity measures in previous years. What specific actions are being taken to rejuvenate these areas?

Answer from Steve Reed

This Government is committed to rejuvenating our high streets with a comprehensive strategy backed by £300 million of support. This funding will create high street innovation partnerships to transform struggling high streets.

Answered
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Q2 Danny Chambers Lib Dem Winchester
Economy Housing Business & Trade
Context

Independent Bookshop Week highlights the importance of these shops, including P&G Wells in Winchester which has been running for over 300 years. The question addresses concerns about their financial viability.

Question

What is being done to ensure that independent bookshops can cope with energy costs and business rates? It is Independent Bookshop Week, and our local economy and high street rely on such shops. What specific measures are in place?

Answer from Steve Reed

The Government is reforming the business rates system to offer permanently lower taxes, which should support independent bookshops. We aim to support such shops as they give high streets identity and are valued by local residents.

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Q3 Jessica Morden Lab Newport East
Crime & Law Enforcement Business & Trade
Context

Trading standards in Newport have shut down shops selling illegal goods, highlighting the need for further action against such practices.

Question

What more can Ministers do to help trading standards tackle shops selling illegal cigarettes and counterfeit goods? Trading standards have done excellent work in Newport. What additional support is available?

Answer from Steve Reed

The Home Office has announced a high street organised crime unit to tackle organised crime operating through shops, which aims to bring down high streets affected by such practices.

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Q4 Rishi Sunak Con Richmond and Northallerton
Economy Local Government
Context

The installation of a banking hub in Stokesley after the closure of the last bank branch is noted, highlighting the importance of access to such services.

Question

Will the Secretary of State join me in thanking Link for installing a banking hub in Stokesley? The community and local businesses need these services. What support does he offer?

Answer from Steve Reed

I congratulate Rishi Sunak on his work in Richmond and Northallerton regarding access to cash and banking services. Many businesses need physical banks, and we encourage the establishment of banking hubs.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Recognition for efforts rather than new support or measures

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Q5 Perran Moon Lab Camborne and Redruth
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Cornish towns face challenges with the Pride in Place criteria that may disadvantage them due to their green spaces.

Question

Will the Secretary of State meet me to discuss how Pride in Place criteria are affecting areas like Cornwall? The criteria count against such towns. What support is available?

Answer from Steve Reed

I am happy to continue meeting my hon. Friend to discuss high street support, including the high street rental auctions programme backed by Government funding.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Willingness to meet rather than concrete actions related to Pride in Place criteria

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Q6 David Simmonds Con Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner
Economy Employment Business & Trade
Context

The question addresses concerns about job losses in hospitality and retail since the Government took office and their relation to business rates.

Question

Can the Minister tell the House whether job losses in hospitality and retail are impacted by rises in business rates? The Government promised lower rates but face a 22% increase. What is the impact?

Answer from Steve Reed

We are reforming the business rates system to offer permanently lower taxes, supporting high streets into the future. We support communities to bring empty units back into use through Government funding.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Reforms and support rather than specific impact on job losses

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