High Streets

Mr Cunningham praised the Labour-led Stockton council's ambitious plans to revitalise high streets, citing examples such as transforming an old shopping centre into a park and library. He highlighted the need for better business rate reforms and criticised the administration of the £3.6 billion towns fund that has disadvantaged some areas like Billingham in his constituency.

Concerned about the disruption caused by COP26 to local businesses in Glasgow and the need for a city centre strategy that includes housing, schools, and healthcare. Emphasised the importance of encouraging cycling and walking over driving and highlighted the impact of increased energy bills on small businesses.

Congratulated the hon. Member on securing the debate, suggesting a windfall-profit tax similar to that introduced by Mrs Thatcher in 1981 on banks to target those who have profited during the covid years. Suggested a partnership with the hon. Lady's communities to work under United Nations sustainable development goals and build a network of towns and cities. Barry Sheerman questioned whether the Government missed an opportunity with the plastic bags charge, asking why most money generated did not flow into community regeneration and suggested a need for this money to regenerate local businesses.

Celebrated Truro's high street ranking improvement, highlighted the role of business improvement districts in her constituency, and appealed for further details on the next tranche of the towns deal to support Falmouth. She also called for greater representation of rural and coastal issues regarding high streets at the central debating table.

The high streets in James Murray's constituency are at the heart of communities, home to numerous independent traders. He highlighted USDAW's call for an urgent recovery plan involving Government and retailers addressing structural challenges including reform of business rates which were behind two-thirds of store closures in the past two years according to BRC's retailer survey.

Mr Jamie Stone highlighted the Scottish Government's role in high street issues and suggested a discussion between the Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities to tackle business rates. He also raised an alarming email about a 70% increase in electricity costs for three hotels in Caithness, which could be indicative of similar problems across the UK.

Mr. Jim Shannon praised the efforts to support high streets in his constituency, Newtownards. He noted that over 726,000 people have lost their jobs since the start of the pandemic and emphasized the importance of retaining local businesses and independent shops despite financial losses. He highlighted a 'Spend Local' voucher scheme introduced by Northern Ireland's Economy Minister to encourage spending on high streets rather than online.

Congratulated the hon. Member on securing today's debate, noting an increase in businesses moving away from physical retail space to online models due to associated savings such as business rates or non-domestic rates for Scots. Mentioned this move has a heavy impact on local communities, leading to fewer jobs and reduced accessibility.

Matt Vickers, chair of the APPG on retail, acknowledged the importance of retail workers during the pandemic and discussed the challenges faced by high streets due to outdated business rates. He mentioned that 83% of retailers feel likely to close stores if business rates are not reduced, stressing the need for government action to support innovation and address crime in town centres. Mr Matt Vickers agreed with Mr Stone but questioned whether it would have been better if a project had opened earlier and at a lower cost, suggesting that public money needs to be well spent.

Mr Thompson thanked the hon. Member for securing the debate and highlighted the urgent need to support local high streets, noting that they are vital for local economies and community spirit. He suggested a national digital sales tax could help level the playing field between online retailers and physical shops. Mr Thompson also emphasised the importance of devolving funding to Scottish Government to allow them to implement plans such as town centre action plans and 20-minute neighbourhoods. In his constituency, Penicuik, he praised local leadership for driving forward the business improvement district successfully.

Maskell highlighted the challenges faced by York's high street, including empty shops, labour shortages, and offshore landlords. She called for a property-based tax system to be replaced with one based on profit or turnover, and requested discussions about introducing the youth mobility visa for EU citizens to address labour shortages. She also emphasised the importance of repurposing large vacant spaces for independent social enterprises and advocated for York's transformation into a family-friendly city.

Britcliffe acknowledged the struggles faced by high streets in Hyndburn and Haslingden, noting a decline in independent stores. She praised Government initiatives such as the £3.6 billion towns fund and the levelling-up fund for their positive impact on local economies. Britcliffe also highlighted her efforts to secure an economic development officer position at Hyndburn Council to support businesses and restore civic pride.

Stephanie Peacock highlighted the uneven impact of the pandemic on high streets, with wealthier areas faring better than poorer ones. She pointed to a decade of austerity leading to the closure of 10,000 shops, 6,000 pubs, and more, particularly affecting semi-rural communities in her constituency. Peacock called for reversing these figures and levelling up high streets through measures like bringing empty commercial properties back into use and promoting entrepreneurship.