High Street Retailers

Lord Naseby Excerpts

Wednesday 25th April 2018 Lords Chamber

Asked by

[Lord Naseby]

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what policies they have implemented to assist high street retailers to prevent further closures and job losses.

[Lord Naseby (Con)]

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper. In doing so, I declare an interest in that a member of my family works in the retail trade.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (Lord Henley) (Con)]

My Lords, we understand that some high street retailers are facing difficulties in a changing retail environment. We shall work closely with the newly established Retail Sector Council to bring government and industry together to support the sector.

[Lord Naseby]

Is my noble friend aware that this is the 12th Question I have asked on this broad area? Is he further aware that the rates review was a singular tragedy for the retail trade and, even worse, the rates appeal system today is sadly shambolic?

Secondly, I have asked Questions previously about the unfair competition from online trade, particularly with Amazon now controlling 40% of that trade—worth over £1 billion. Is not it time that that unfair situation was corrected?

Finally, I have raised Questions on providing parking for our shoppers two hours a day, 365 days a year in every local authority. I am pleased to report that Northampton Borough Council provides two hours every day for a whole year. Against that background, with chain after chain failing, will my noble friend sit down with colleagues, look at the crisis and recognise that action is needed and a review of rates in 2021 is not acceptable?

[Lord Henley]

My Lords, I was not aware that it was my noble friend’s 12th Question, but it appears that the House was. I appreciate that the rates review affects quite a number of businesses, but our estimation is that some 70% of businesses will see either no change or a reduction. Obviously, it affects different areas differently; in London it has affected businesses more severely, whereas in the north-west, where I come from, there have been some considerable gainers.

As for the unfair competition my noble friend talked about, particularly in relation to the wider question of taxing the digital economy, as he is aware, my right honourable friend the Chancellor is looking at that issue to make sure that things are fair between different types of retailer, whether they are digital or store-based.

On his final point, about parking, I note what he says and hope that other local authorities note what he says. From my personal experience, I have noticed that some local authorities reduce their parking charges, which has a beneficial effect on retail in that area. I have similarly noticed that in other areas the effect of parking charges can be to the detriment of the high street.