Andrew Rosindell – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Communities and Local Government
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Andrew Rosindell on 2016-01-11.
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to combat the (a) decline in the use of local shopping centres and (b) fall in employment rates by local shopping centres; and if he will make a statement.
Mr Marcus Jones
The Government is committed to helping our high streets and town centres thrive and is supporting them through a billion pound package of investment. This includes:
– targeted tax breaks;
– the doubling of small business rate relief;
– sensible planning changes to allow business to respond flexibly to changing market conditions; and
-taking action to tackle over-zealous parking practices.
As a result, we have seen some very positive signs that our local centres are fighting back. Vacancy rates are in decline, retail sales are up for the 31st consecutive month and there was encouraging news on footfall over the festive period.
My Department also ran the Great British High Street Competition, which this year received nearly 200,000 votes from the general public. This shows that local people cherish their high streets and that, if the broader retail sector can adapt to their changing needs, it can thrive.
The devolution agenda also provides significant opportunities as we’re ensuring local areas that encourage growth reap the rewards. Councils will keep 100% of local taxes – including all £26 billion from business rates – by the end of this Parliament, providing a much stronger incentive to engage proactively with businesses in their local area.
I am also aware that, in my hon. Friend’s constituency of Romford, local partners are pushing forward a range of exciting and innovative programmes such as the redesign of the local market. This work is regenerating the wider area and creating jobs. I would like to applaud Romford for this work and suggest that others look to follow their example.
