Oral Question·Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
“If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.”
Tabled: 30 March 2023Answered: 18 April 2023
Asked by
Dame Chi Onwurah
Labour — Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Answering Minister
the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero
Answer from Hansard
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Gareth Thomas)
We have announced plans to reform business rates, launched high street rental auction powers for councils that will help businesses to access currently vacant properties, worked with industry to open over 150 banking hubs, and introduced the Crime and Policing Bill to provide retailers with greater protections from assault and shoplifting. Our forthcoming small and medium-sized enterprise strategy will set out our further plans to help businesses on the high street and beyond.