Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, if he will hold discussions with major high street retailers on increasing their involvement in local enterprise partnerships.

The Future High Street Forum, a joint partnership between government and the retail, leisure and property industries, includes major high street retailers and Gloucester First – the Retail Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). The Forum supports town centres, including market towns, in meeting the changing needs of today’s consumer. The Forum leads a range of work, including a local partnerships work stream.

LEPs define and champion their area’s offer, driving local economic growth through agreed local priorities set out in their Strategic Economic Plan.