VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Retail Trade: Urban Areas

Asked by Alex BrewerLiberal DemocratMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 7 July 2026UIN 12460

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment his Department has made of the potential benefit of giving councils the power to designate Independent Shop Zones.

Answered by Nesil Caliskan

This Government recognises the important role that independent shops play in supporting vibrant, diverse and resilient high streets.

Local authorities already have a range of tools to shape their town centres and support local businesses, including through planning policies, local plans and business support.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim