Emma is pleased to have secured an adjournment debate in the House of Commons next Thursday (19 June) on shop closures in King Street.
The Speaker of the House, John Bercow, granted Emma an adjournment debate on the topic, which will take place at 5pm.
In recent months several shops on King Street have closed, including Marks & Spencer. Retailers have said lower customer numbers and declining consumer incomes are a major reason for the closures. Business rates have also risen by more than £1,500 under David Cameron, and for the first time many businesses are paying more in business rates than in rent. Emma supports Labour’s plans to cut and then freeze business rates from 2015, as well changes to the planning system to give local communities a stronger say in the future of their high streets.
Emma wants to hear people’s views on King Street and what they think the Government needs to do to turn our high streets around. If you have any views you would like Emma to raise in the debate, please email them to emma.lewell-buck.mp@parliament.uk.
The debate can be watched live on Parliament’s website by clicking here, beginning at approximately 5pm.
UPDATE: This debate has now taken place. Click here for more information.