High Streets Putney 2026-09-07
2026-09-07
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the vitality of high streets, specifically mentioning Putney.
What steps she is taking to support high streets in Putney. I welcome all those on the Front Bench to their places, and I welcome back the Secretary of State. I thank the Minister for meeting me to talk about Putney high street. We love our high street in Putney; we want to see it thrive even more, and especially to open up empty shops.
Councils need both the tools and the support to bring vacant properties back into use, which is why we introduced high street rental actions. To make powers as straightforward as possible, we have published guidance and templates and established a dedicated support mechanism for local authorities. We are reviewing new burdens funding to ensure councils are appropriately resourced, and have announced £10 million to tackle long-term vacancies and bring empty units back into productive use. On business rates, this Government are committed to reforming the system to create a fairer approach that fully supports investments and high streets such as my hon. Friend's.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide specifics on reviewing and reducing business rates or making the high street rental auction zone policy work more effectively.
We Are Committed To Reforming The System
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP is concerned about the vitality of high streets, specifically mentioning Putney.
What steps she is taking to support high streets in Putney. I welcome all those on the Front Bench to their places, and I welcome back the Secretary of State. I thank the Minister for meeting me to talk about Putney high street. We love our high street in Putney; we want to see it thrive even more, and especially to open up empty shops. Will the Minister give hope to every high street by reviewing and reducing business rates, and by making the high street rental auction zone policy work more effectively by cutting unnecessary red tape and providing councils with the financial support they need to bring vacant properties up to a lettable standard?
Councils need both the tools and the support to bring vacant properties back into use, which is why we introduced high street rental actions. To make powers as straightforward as possible, we have published guidance and templates and established a dedicated support mechanism for local authorities. We are reviewing new burdens funding to ensure councils are appropriately resourced, and have announced £10 million to tackle long-term vacancies and bring empty units back into productive use. On business rates, this Government are committed to reforming the system to create a fairer approach that fully supports investments and high streets such as my hon. Friend's.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide specifics on reviewing and reducing business rates or making the high street rental auction zone policy work more effectively.
We Are Committed To Reforming The System
Response accuracy