Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of trends in the level of small independent barbershops in town centres and high streets.

The Government has not made a specific assessment of trends in the number of small independent barbershops in town centres and high streets.

Small independent businesses such as barbershops play a vital role in high streets, supporting local economies, creating jobs and contributing to the character and resilience of communities. That’s why we are committed to supporting these businesses, including through permanently lower business rates for eligible properties, transitional relief, and an increase in the Employment Allowance to £10,500, meaning many small businesses pay no employer National Insurance Contributions.

The Government also supports growth through the Small Business Plan, which improves access to finance, tackles late payments, reduces unnecessary regulation and supports digital adoption. This sits alongside wider high street regeneration measures, including the future high street strategy, aimed at increasing footfall, support local investment and helping town centres to thrive.