High Streets

Debate between Steve Rotheram and Roberta Blackman-Woods

Wednesday 16th October 2013 Commons Chamber

[Roberta Blackman-Woods]

The hon. Gentleman needs to consider the fact that too many shops of a particular type crowd out other shops that might be more desirable.

[Steve Rotheram (Liverpool, Walton) (Lab)]

Does my hon. Friend agree that a distinct contrast can be drawn between Kings road in Chelsea and County road in Liverpool, Walton, which has experienced a proliferation of betting shops, payday loan companies, fast-food takeaways and pawnbrokers? The Government cannot wash their hands of this—the rise has been exponential and that has partly been down to their policies.

[Roberta Blackman-Woods]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. We must highlight where the Government’s policies on the high street have failed.

There is a long list of initiatives, but the fragmented approach masks the lack of an overall strategic approach that would bring together local authorities, key stakeholders and communities to plan for and deliver real change in their town centres.