MP’S call to support the UK’S high streets

Bath MP Wera Hobhouse has called on the Government to provide more support for the UK’S changing high streets.

Speaking in the House of Commons last week she acknowledged the challenges which Covid-19 has caused for the retail sector and claimed the pandemic has accelerated changes that were already taking place.

She said that if we want to give shops and high streets a future, and are serious about saving retail jobs, we must fix what is not working. She made her comments during a debate on the future of the high street last Thursday.

She argued that high streets need to be supported to become community hubs and Government must additionally level the playing field for bricks and mortar retail, arguing that right now it is cheaper to sell online.

She said: “In Bath, we are so lucky to have so many wonderful independent shops but after such a challenging year we cannot take them for granted.

“The council has provided as much support as it can while balancing the need to fund essential services for the community. Without further government funding, additional support will be difficult to find.

“Covid-19 has made us aware of the existing inequality in our retail sector. For years now online companies have become increasingly profitable, while the overhead costs of physical shops make it impossible for them to compete.

“Government must level the playing field urgently. We need to save our high streets and give them the room to grow into multipurpose hubs, which will no doubt become the foundation for future community growth.”

Ms Hobhouse supported Bath’s Southgate centre and high streets on Small Business Saturday earlier this month.