High Streets

Debate between Roberta Blackman-Woods and Christopher Pincher

Wednesday 16th October 2013 Commons Chamber

[Roberta Blackman-Woods]

I absolutely agree. Indeed, we are arguing that local authorities should be given more powers over what happens in their high streets so that they are able to shape their direction in certain areas.

[Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con)]

Is the hon. Lady aware that the number of betting shops has reduced slightly in the past 12 months, and that 9,000 betting shops on the high streets is 7,000 fewer than there were in the 1970s? Will she not accept that over the long term the number of betting shops has fallen?

[Roberta Blackman-Woods]

I draw the hon. Gentleman’s attention to the fact that regionally the number varies massively. There has certainly been a huge increase in the number of betting shops in several areas in the past 12 months.