High Streets

Henry Smith Excerpts

Wednesday 16th October 2013 Commons Chamber

[Roberta Blackman-Woods]

In fact, the reason for the increased number of payday loan companies is, first, what has been happening to the economy, and secondly, the change in use class orders, to which I will turn in a few moments.

Local shops and retailers are really feeling the squeeze on the high street, and these are still tough times for many areas.

[Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con)]

Will the hon. Lady join me in congratulating Crawley borough council and West Sussex county council, which are, as we speak, significantly regenerating Crawley high street?

[Roberta Blackman-Woods]

Of course we would welcome any regeneration that is happening on our high streets.

Business rates are rising by an average of nearly £2,000 during this Parliament, and more than one in 10 small businesses say that they spend the same or more on business rates as they do on rent. However, we must ask this question: is it all doom and gloom?