City and Town Centres: Regeneration — [Martin Vickers in the Chair]

Amanda Martin discussed the need for holistic approaches to regenerate forgotten high streets in Portsmouth North, citing issues like vacant shops, boarded-up pubs, and a lack of quality businesses. She emphasized the importance of cross-Government support for local authorities to repurpose buildings. Does the hon. Lady agree that we need some focused solutions for high street regeneration, including holistic approaches to changes in our communities, such as new GP surgeries, nurseries, pop-up markets, art studios, and facilities like public toilets? She also called for reforming business rates, enhancing local authority planning departments' capacity, cross-Government working with the Home Office and MHCLG, and updating planning systems.

Town centre events are crucial for driving vitality and viability in declining areas. In his constituency, Northwich town council and various community groups partner to host a full year programme of events that boost footfall.

Andrew Pakes highlighted the decline of high streets in Peterborough, citing issues such as empty shops, antisocial behaviour and drug problems. He praised the city's heritage but noted that despite its potential, there has been a tough decade with cuts to local government and loss of major retailers like John Lewis and M&S. Pakes also thanked various organisations for their work on regeneration projects and urged the Government to provide clear messages and support for small businesses.

Asked the hon. Member for her opinion on business improvement districts and their value in rejuvenating market towns and small cities across Britain.

Despite challenges from local government cuts, the impact of lockdowns during the covid pandemic, and under-investment, Derby is now on an upward trajectory with a Labour Government, Mayor, and council. The city has a strong partnership between private and public sectors to deliver a cleaner, safer, and more prosperous future.

Bayo Alaba highlighted the importance of regenerating city centres like Southend's Hamlet Court Road, stressing the need to support local businesses and address issues such as antisocial behaviour that exacerbate declining footfall. He emphasized the role of high streets in providing opportunities for young people and fostering a circular economy.

Mr Thomas expressed optimism about the future of town centres and emphasised the need for business rates reform to match changing retail habits. He advocated for local councils taking an active role in championing their towns as destinations for investment, creating local investment prospectuses, focusing on urban design as a catalyst for economic renewal, and fostering skills development.

Town centres are vital social fabrics needing proactive regeneration. The decline in Crewe town centre is partly due to online retail, but hospitality and leisure initiatives can drive improvement. Empty shop units and connectivity issues challenge local communities.

Southampton's economic hub benefits from green tech businesses; the Prime Minister's investment summit announcements are welcome. The city is looking at a devolution deal and needs clear process for accessing £63 billion investment.

He highlighted the importance of local leaders in championing inward investment and praised business rate reliefs as crucial for high street regeneration post-COVID. He asked the Minister to provide a timetable for the next round of devolution and a deadline for retaining the 75% business rate relief.

She argued that reducing business rates, not just reforming them, would incentivise businesses to set up in town centres like Maidstone, particularly independents and new start-ups. She also noted the need for a level playing field with e-commerce.

The MP highlighted the importance of towns in the regeneration debate, focusing on Bury and its three key towns: Tottington, Ramsbottom, and Bury itself. He expressed concern about communities feeling ignored when decisions are made without their input. James Frith also discussed the need for self-determination and financial support from the government to address austerity-related issues such as special educational needs funding, road investment, and public services like bus networks. The MP called on the Minister to provide assurances that existing funding bids would not be affected by the general election and urged clarity on future funding commitments.

I was the leader of Bassetlaw district council. Following Wilko's collapse two summers ago in my constituency, I question whether £20 million for 55 towns will sufficiently address the social and economic functions of retail units in our town centres.

Jessica Asato highlighted the challenges faced by her constituency's high streets, including 96 empty premises out of 366 in Lowestoft and a bank closure in Beccles. She mentioned poor mobile connectivity and lack of evening buses and trains. However, she also noted positive signs of regeneration such as £24.3 million cultural quarter plans and the First Light festival.

He provided a Northern Ireland perspective focusing on three towns: Newtownards, Comber, and Ballynahinch. Jim highlighted the importance of vibrant chambers of trade in these areas and mentioned concerns over the pause in city deals which could impact smaller towns. He emphasized the need for Government investment to sustain local businesses.

Agreed with the hon. Friend's points about regeneration, highlighted the decline of high streets in Leigh, Atherton, Golborne, and Tyldesley, and suggested giving local authorities powers to hold absent property owners accountable.

Emphasised the problem of derelict commercial properties in Hartlepool, noting an arson attack on the old Odeon building, and advocated for greater powers to local authorities around compulsory purchase.

Agreed with the hon. Friend's call for a strategy addressing empty shops and stressed the importance of public transport access for high street use.

Melanie Onn discussed empty shops in her constituency, emphasizing the need for a national strategy to ensure healthy high streets. She praised initiatives such as the Horizon Youth Zone and the proposed transport hub but expressed concern about pedestrianising the marketplace, which local businesses worry could affect footfall. Onn also noted that large banks are leaving gaps that often remain unfilled or are filled with vape shops and barbers.

Melanie Ward discussed the challenges facing Kirkcaldy's High Street, including a 25% vacancy rate and a decline of 14-22% in businesses since the pandemic. She called for effective partnerships to support local regeneration efforts and highlighted community initiatives like Love Oor Lang Toun.

She highlighted the loss of shops due to high overhead costs, particularly business rates, and welcomed Labour's plans to reform this system. Rachel praised local authorities' role in regeneration and mentioned significant work underway in Luton, including The Stage development project and plans for the Power Court area redevelopment involving Luton Town FC.

Tim Roca addressed the impact of previous Government policies on Macclesfield, noting a decline in traditional retail jobs and closed stores. He mentioned issues like high business rates, out-of-town retail parks, and reduced bus links to villages. He supported efforts to reform business rates, devolve power, and improve connectivity.

The regeneration of towns and cities must be approached from a local perspective. City centres have always changed over time, and if we want to avoid another decade of decline after the shocks of Brexit and COVID-19, we need the Government to invest resources and responsibilities to councils and communities. The Liberal Democrats advocate for a single pot of funding like with the shared prosperity fund to ensure long-term stability. They also support the replacement of business rates with a commercial land owner levy alongside an increase in digital services tax to boost investment and cut taxes for businesses. Concerns exist over unfettered permitted development leading to poor living spaces and lack of affordable housing infrastructure.