Oral Answers to Questions

Gareth Johnson Excerpts

Monday 17th September 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Pickles]

My hon. Friend will recall the national planning policy framework, which makes it clear that previously developed areas should be given development priority.

[Gareth Johnson (Dartford) (Con)]

2. What steps his Department is taking to support local high streets.

[Peter Aldous (Waveney) (Con)]

6. What steps his Department is taking to support local high streets.

[The Minister for Housing (Mr Mark Prisk)]

In response to the Portas review, the Government are taking positive action to help our high streets. That includes strengthening local civic leadership through town team partners and business improvement districts, revitalising local markets and backing small businesses.

[Gareth Johnson]

My local high street in Dartford has successfully applied to become a Portas town, which has encouraged a large number of organisations such as NCR to consider putting help and expertise into Dartford. Does the Minister agree that such a proactive response, particularly from local councils, will help to ensure a successful future for our high streets?

[Mr Prisk]

I entirely agree with my hon. Friend that strong civic and local business leadership is vital. That is why we are enabling more than 300 towns to form town team partners. I hope right hon. and hon. Members will support their local town team partners so we can ensure that our high streets can compete in future.