Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from the current state of Winchester's high streets and the need for government support.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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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.
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?
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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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
Trading standards in Newport have shut down shops selling illegal goods, highlighting the need for further action against such practices.
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?
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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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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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.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Recognition for efforts rather than new support or measures
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Cornish towns face challenges with the Pride in Place criteria that may disadvantage them due to their green spaces.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Willingness to meet rather than concrete actions related to Pride in Place criteria
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses concerns about job losses in hospitality and retail since the Government took office and their relation to business rates.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Reforms and support rather than specific impact on job losses
Response accuracy