House of Commons · Westminster Hall
15 January 2025 · 5 other contributors · 4,557 words
Opened by Gareth Snell Labour (Co-op) Stoke-on-Trent Central
Responding minister: Matthew Pennycook
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Gareth Snell raised concerns about town centres: stoke-on-trent in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The debate asks the Minister and his team to address the issues faced by Stoke-on-Trent's town centres and support regeneration efforts for sustainable growth and community development.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The city of Stoke-on-Trent, founded as a city in 1925, has faced significant financial challenges due to the past Government's revenue grant cuts. The town centres are vital for community pride and dignity, yet they have struggled with online shopping competition and economic decisions that affect small businesses. The Hanley city centre, in particular, faces significant challenges.
Emphasised the importance of engaging local community leaders and retailers in improving town centres; mentioned £20 million funding received for improvements in Burslem, Tunstall, and Middleport.
Praised the work of the Longton Exchange team and Urban Wilderness, highlighting their contribution to regenerating Longton town centre.
Thanked the Minister for the £8 million recovery fund settlement, which was second largest anywhere in the country. This is not just about compiling the land for development; it is also about protecting greenfield sites like Berryhill Fields. Fragmented land ownership in Stoke-on-Trent hinders effective land assembly.
Suggested that small businesses in city centres need support through start-up funds to help them weather economic challenges caused by online shopping.
Passed on the appreciation of his hon. Friend to ministerial colleagues who awarded the funding; mentioned the Goods Yard project and £6.5 million for public realm regeneration in Tunstall, Longton, Stoke, Burslem, and Middleport. The Government supports a brownfield-first approach to development, making changes to the NPPF and proposing a brownfield passport working paper. Fragmented land ownership is a barrier that needs addressing.
Government Response
Matthew PennycookThe Minister for Housing and Planning
Acknowledged the importance of community policing to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour; welcomed investment in drug and alcohol services; supported ambitious housing targets in town centres to bring people back and invigorate them. Acknowledged the regeneration efforts in Stoke-on-Trent; discussed Homes England’s partnership with the city council to deliver high-quality housing-led developments; highlighted £22 million affordable housing programme investment, £10 million housing infrastructure grant, and £800,000 revenue funding for priority sites; mentioned projects such as Smithfield Quarter, Etruscan Square, North Shelton opportunity area, and the Goods Yard; praised local leaders for their work in revitalising city centres.