PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
(12 December 2024)

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to encourage investment in high streets in (a) Essex and (b) South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency.

Asked by:
James McMurdock (Independent)

This Government is fully committed to rejuvenating our high streets and supporting the businesses and communities that make our town centres successful. This means addressing anti-social behaviour and crime, working with the banking industry to roll out 350 banking hubs, stamping out late payments, empowering communities to make the most of the vacant properties, strengthening the Post Office network, reforming the apprenticeship levy, and business rates.

Furthermore, the Government is investing in local growth with local allocations for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in 2025-26 now announced, which places may choose to invest in rejuvenating high streets. Basildon has been allocated £419,361; and Thurrock £402,853. The Long Term Plan for Towns has funded several towns in Essex, including Canvey Island, Harlow and Clacton-on-Sea, which will also support local growth.

Answered by:
()