High Streets Strategy: Business Rates

Lord Watts Excerpts

Wednesday 11th November 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Pitt-Watson (Lab)]

I say to the noble Lord that, if there are specific instances where he feels that this is problematic, I would be more than happy to address those and see whether something can be taken forward. Of course, it would be something pretty fundamental, because this is about the agreement between the tenants and the landlord, but we would want such an agreement to be focused on the reviving of our high streets.

[Lord Watts (Lab)]

My Lords, is it not the case that our city centres and shopping areas have been in decline for over 20 years and the previous Government did nothing about it? This Labour Government have a string of measures to regenerate our towns and cities. Should not the Opposition be ashamed of their past record?

[Lord Pitt-Watson (Lab)]

The answer is yes, is it not? I have talked about the rates, the £210 million for the community assets programme, and empowering the business improvement districts—did noble Lords know that they raise £185 million in voluntary rates to improve the high streets? That is fantastic. There are also the model designs for high streets, hospitality zones, and putting the high street first when thinking about new public buildings. This is a programme to revive the high street, as my noble friend says, after many years of neglect.