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Market Towns: Cultural Heritage
04 March 2025
Lead MP
Bayo Alaba
Southend East and Rochford
Lab
Responding Minister
Stephanie Peacock
Tags
Crime & Law EnforcementCommunity Security
Word Count: 14026
Other Contributors: 19
At a Glance
Bayo Alaba raised concerns about market towns: cultural heritage in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The lead MP asks for greater resources and expertise to help market towns thrive economically while preserving their cultural heritage. He highlights the need for community-led regeneration efforts like the Heritage Revival Fund.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Historically, market towns were economic hubs hosting markets that spurred development, with houses, fire stations, stables, and mechanics’ premises surrounding them. However, over the past two decades, market towns have faced challenges due to industry hollowing out, increased shop vacancies, decreased footfall, and a rise in antisocial behaviour as consumer habits shifted towards retail parks and online shopping. Local authorities' historic environment teams have also shrunk considerably, impacting their ability to protect and maximise cultural heritage.
Alison Hume
Lab
Scarborough and Whitby
She discussed Scarborough’s history, current challenges, and government initiatives such as reducing business rates and investing in town centre regeneration.
Ann Davies
PC
Caerfyrddin
She highlighted issues faced by her constituency's market towns including funding for improvements and the need to abolish business rates on car parks to support free parking.
Anna Dixon
Lab
Shipley
Agreed with Jim Shannon about the importance of market towns, referencing Bingley's historical significance dating back to King John’s reign.
Catherine Fookes
Lab
Monmouthshire
In Monmouthshire, there are five market towns with rich cultural heritage including Abergavenny which hosts the world-famous Abergavenny food festival. The Welsh Government has provided significant funding to support arts and culture sectors.
Gideon Amos
LD
Taunton and Wellington
Market towns are essential to our national heritage but face challenges from the withdrawal of essential services and council reorganisation. The Liberal Democrats advocate for local decision-making authority in these towns.
Jim Dickson
Lab
Dartford
Praised Dartford's cultural heritage, including its blue plaque scheme and the Rolling Stones connection. He discussed challenges faced by local attractions such as the Orchard theatre and historical pubs like the Lads of the Village. Referred to the devolution White Paper with specific reference to pubs and expressed interest in meeting Welsh counterparts.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Celebrated Northern Ireland's market towns, including Newtownards, Comber, and Ballynahinch, mentioning the importance of agricultural history such as the Comber farmers’ market and the renowned Comber spud.
Joe Morris
Lab
Hexham
He mentioned the importance of transport for market towns like Hexham, including issues with rail and bus services and concerns about AI's impact on the rural economy.
Josh Dean
Lab
Hertford and Stortford
Praises Hertford's rich history and highlights the town’s contribution to arts and culture through venues like the Corn Exchange. Asked about high streets, live music venues, and the new £85 million creative foundations fund to support venues.
Martin Vickers
Con
Brigg and Immingham
Mentioned Brigg’s historical buildings, weekly outdoor markets, and North Lincolnshire council's policy of free parking to support high streets. Discussed Barton-upon-Humber’s rich history including a famous author and the importance of local town councils.
Matt Turmaine
Lab
Watford
Responds to Mr Alaba's points about community history and heritage investment. Watford, an historic market town in Hertfordshire, has a vibrant cultural heritage that includes its former market and other local experiences. The new Watford market continues to offer socialising opportunities and shopping for residents.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
Highlights the importance of marking historical events in small market towns, such as Limavady's connection to New Zealand’s Prime Minister.
Julie Minns
Lab
Carlisle
Highlighted Carlisle's status as a market town with historical significance, mentioning Longtown on the English-Scottish border and Brampton’s Roman history. Discussed efforts to rejuvenate Carlisle city centre through Cumbrian devolution.
Honiton and Sidmouth
Discussed the importance of market towns in his constituency, highlighting cultural heritage and recent events like Mr Speaker's visit to Honiton’s Allhallows Museum.
Nick Boles
Con
Wellingborough
Emphasised the importance of protecting family farms and raised concerns about changes to business property relief and agricultural property relief impacting market towns.
Saqib Bhatti
Con
Meriden and Solihull East
Acknowledged the debate's importance, thanked the lead member for securing it, and mentioned specific points raised by other MPs including Mr. Alec Shelbrooke and Martin Vickers.
Sarah Edwards
Lab
Tamworth
Supports using heritage as a regenerative tool and mentions Tamworth's historic market town, noting that Government’s £4.85 million heritage revival fund can help maximise assets for economic growth.
Alec Shelbrooke
Con
Wetherby and Easingwold
Discusses the impact of policies on small family farms, which are vital for market towns' ecosystems, and calls for a review of energy performance certificates impacting historic buildings. Asked the Minister to review the energy performance certificate policy for heritage buildings.
East Worthing and Shoreham
Commended the right hon. Member's points and committed to taking them back to the relevant minister.
Government Response
Stephanie Peacock
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
Government Response
Congratulated the hon. Member for Southend East and Rochford on securing the debate and responded to questions about changes to the planning system and access to local services. Mentioned a new £85 million creative foundations fund available from spring. Emphasised the importance of market towns in the national story, their unique character and economic support, and highlighted Government efforts to nurture cultural heritage through funding and regeneration initiatives. Announced £20 million investment through heritage at risk capital fund and heritage revival fund. Discussed listed places of worship scheme with £23 million funding available between 2025-26. Highlighted Arts Council England’s support for regional cultural assets, including the Essex Cultural Diversity Project in Rochford. Mentioned National Lottery Heritage Fund's investment exceeding £293 million last year and DCMS’s new plan for neighbourhoods programme providing £1.5 billion over a decade.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.