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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what discussions his Department has had with representative bodies of small businesses on the impact of commercial lease conditions in high street premises on the financial viability of those businesses.

The government recognises that both landlords and tenants have raised concerns about the commercial leasehold framework. That is why the government supports the Law Commission's ongoing review of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, which aims to modernise the commercial leasehold framework, ensuring it is fit for today’s market. The Department has sought views on leasing issues from business representative organisations, including those representing small businesses, and is committed to supporting thriving high streets.