Labour

Mary Portas report into the high street - response from Umunna, Harman and Benn

Chuka Umunna MP, Labour’s Shadow Business Secretary, Hilary Benn MP, Labour’s Shadow Communities Secretary and Harriet Harman MP, Labour’s Shadow Culture, Media and Sport Secretary, have commented on Mary Portas’ report into the high street published today.

Chuka Umunna said:

“Mary Portas’ report is a call to action to save our high streets, which have been hit hard by the Government’s VAT hike at the beginning of this year and are suffering from the decision to cut spending and raise taxes too far and too fast, hitting consumer spending.

“Labour has been calling for action to help our struggling high streets and shops up and down the country by promoting the positive use of empty shops, giving local people the power to shape retail plans for their area and by introducing a competition test in the planning system.

“A temporary VAT cut, which we have called on the Government to enact as part of Labour’s five point plan for jobs and growth, would put £450 in the pocket of each family and would provide real help for high streets now.

“The Government must act urgently to tackle the problems which Mary Portas identifies in her report, give full consideration to her recommendations and ensure that her efforts do not go to waste."

Hilary Benn said:

“Mary Portas has produced a really good report, full of imaginative ideas. She understands what will keep our town centres and high streets the thriving hearts of communities.

“We are pleased that she has listened to Labour’s plan for the high street and called for creative use of empty shops and an end to the Government’s incentive to move offices out of town centres.

“And there is plenty more that can be done to involve everyone in the local community, in the shops and businesses that make up town centres.

“This out of touch Government’s failing economic policy is hitting high streets hard. Mary Portas’ report is a real challenge to them to do much better and help save our high street.”

Harriet Harman said:
 
“I welcome Mary Portas’ recognition that the proliferation of betting shops is blighting high streets, particularly in deprived areas, and the action she is proposing to put an end to this.
 
“Today, I am urging the Government to implement her proposal to give betting shops their own 'Use Class'. This does not require primary legislation and could be done without further delay. We would support the Government in taking this forward.
 
“This simple action would allow local people to have a say and local authorities, on behalf of local people, to decide whether having a betting shop in that location would be right for the local area. I know that would help protect high streets like those in my constituency of Camberwell and Peckham.”