Business Rates Reform

Lord Hogan-Howe Excerpts

Monday 23rd June 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Livermore (Lab)]

That is a very interesting proposal from my noble friend. As I say, we will set out an interim report later this summer, setting out a clear direction of travel, and let us see whether those ideas are included.

[Lord Hogan-Howe (CB)]

Following the question asked by the noble Lord, Lord Harris, does the Minister know or will he research what proportion of BID money is being spent on foot patrolling by the private security industry in areas where we thought the police were supposed to be doing it and where we are already paying for it separately?

[Lord Livermore (Lab)]

I am very happy to follow the noble Lord’s suggestion and research that. I do not know the number off the top of my head, but in the spending review, we set out important new investment in the high street, particularly the security of the high street, because we know that, if we want people to go into their high streets and spend money and time there, they need to feel safe. Therefore, investment in crime reduction and deterrence in the way that the noble Lord sets out is important.