All 1 Debates between Gareth Thomas and Luke Akehurst

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Gareth Thomas and Luke Akehurst
Thursday 12th December 2024

(1 week, 4 days ago)

Commons Chamber
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Gareth Thomas Portrait Gareth Thomas
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I cannot follow the impressive nature of that question, but I can tell my hon. Friend that in the Budget my right hon. Friend the Chancellor confirmed a new independent film tax credit, which will help to enable the successes that he has alluded to in his constituency and the surrounding area to be spread, potentially, across the country. That will allow more businesses to set up and generate growth and wealth for our country.

Luke Akehurst Portrait Luke Akehurst (North Durham) (Lab)
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20. What assessment he has made of the potential impact of Post Office closures on high streets.

Gareth Thomas Portrait The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Gareth Thomas)
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No decisions have been taken on the future of any directly managed branches, including in Chester-le-Street in my hon. Friend’s constituency. The Post Office continues to work with local communities, and others, to consider how best to meet the need for post office services in a local area. The Government set minimum access criteria to ensure that 99% of the UK population live within 3 miles of a post office, and those Government-set access criteria ensure that, regardless of changes, services remain within reach of all citizens.

Luke Akehurst Portrait Luke Akehurst
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The post office in Chester-le-Street has been at the heart of the community in North Durham since 1936, and offers vital services to my constituents. Does the Minister agree that keeping those services accessible is vital to keeping footfall on our high streets and encouraging other businesses to locate themselves there?

Gareth Thomas Portrait Gareth Thomas
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I recognise the significance of the post office in my hon. Friend’s constituency, as indeed I recognise the significance of post offices in my constituency and across the UK. It is important to maintain access to post office services as they play a crucial role in the high street. That is why we are determined to work with the Post Office to strengthen the network, as I alluded to earlier.