Arcadia and Debenhams: Business Support and Job Retention Debate

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Department: Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities

Arcadia and Debenhams: Business Support and Job Retention

Mark Jenkinson Excerpts
Wednesday 2nd December 2020

(3 years, 3 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Paul Scully Portrait Paul Scully
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The hon. Gentleman raises an important point. Clearly, as I say, the Pensions Regulator has significant powers here, and we will make sure that it has the space and ability to do its job.

Mark Jenkinson Portrait Mark Jenkinson (Workington) (Con)
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My heart goes out to all those affected by the collapse of Arcadia and Debenhams, both of which affect my Workington constituency—particularly Workington town centre, which has a Debenhams anchor. Alongside the stronger towns fund, the Government’s future high streets fund will be crucial to helping town centres not only recover but adapt in the future. In the light of unprecedented challenges this year, can my hon. Friend confirm that future high streets fund decisions are imminent and that the Government will get the cash out of the door quickly so that it can have a positive impact as soon as possible?

Paul Scully Portrait Paul Scully
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I thank my hon. Friend for his work to support Workington. The stronger towns fund and the future high streets fund are two really important instruments in making sure that we have high streets up and down the country that can survive and thrive and that we can be proud of, and we will make sure that those announcements are forthcoming as soon as possible.