Oral Question·Department for Business and Trade
“What steps he is taking to support high street businesses.”
Tabled: 5 June 2025Answered: 12 June 2025
Asked by
Aphra Brandreth
Conservative — Chester South and Eddisbury
Answering Minister
the Secretary of State for Business and Trade
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.