Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to ensure that small and medium sized UK business and manufacturing is protected from eviction by large international firms.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the manufacturing sector play a vital role in the UK economy. At Budget, Government announced a package of support for towns and high streets that included cutting the business rates bills of eligible small retailers by one third for two years and the £675 million Future High Streets Fund. Our recent reforms to the planning system, including the revised National Planning Policy Framework, provide greater flexibility for a greater range and diversity of uses in our high streets. That includes diversification to incentivise small and medium sized business. The manufacturing sector drives innovation and exports, creates jobs and Government is committed to supporting the sector through the Industrial Strategy. This will boost productivity and build an economy fit for the future, helping to foster a competitive business environment where UK manufacturing can thrive.

Tenancies are a commercial matter and whilst Government cannot comment on contractual arrangements between landlords and tenants, where specific tenancy issues arise, businesses can engage with their local authorities or Citizens’ Advice Bureau