All 1 Debates between Brandon Lewis and Chris Ruane

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Debate between Brandon Lewis and Chris Ruane
Monday 25th November 2013

(10 years, 12 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Chris Ruane Portrait Chris Ruane (Vale of Clwyd) (Lab)
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20. There are 40,000 empty shops on UK high streets, and the Minister and his Department are doing the best they can to stack them with payday loan companies, loan sharks and betting shops. What single policy has his Department implemented that has helped to reverse this trend and get proper shops in our high streets? Is there one single policy?

Brandon Lewis Portrait Brandon Lewis
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I wonder whether the hon. Gentleman has had a chance to consider the fact that, unlike the previous Labour Government, we have trebled small business rate relief, as well as giving power to local authorities. I strongly suggest that authorities use the powers they have to discount business rates, as well as utilise the 333 town teams working hard for their communities around the country. I am sorry that the hon. Gentleman does not want to give these people the credit for the hard work that they are putting in.