Portas heads to Parliament over High Street review

Portas will be gathering views on the health of town centres from MPs, peers and Ministers representing constituencies across the country.

The High Street Review was commissioned by the prime minister and deputy prime minister and is due to be published before the end of the year. It is being co-ordinated by the Department for Business Skills and Innovation.

Pub trade groups have been sending submissions into the Mary Portas retail review in the hope of encouraging planners to consider pubs as a vibrant part of the high street. Trade associations claim this review is an ideal time to persuade the Government that pubs are a vital tool in the high-street economy.

Portas will attend a meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Town Centres (APPG) before putting the finishing touches to the Review.

Portas said: “Our local high streets are a critical part of the fabric of our society. Over the past few months I have been gathering evidence from the many different stakeholders that are involved in our town centres. Although I cannot visit every town, this APPG will allow MPs to give me an insight into the issues affecting their high streets.”

Business Minister Edward Davey said: “The High Street should be at the heart of every community, bringing people together, providing essential services and creating jobs and investment.

“Since the launch of Mary’s review in May she has met many key stakeholders and identified a number of topics to focus on including planning, business rates, property issues, local coordination, skills development and mentoring new businesses.

“I look forward to seeing Mary’s final report which will identify what government, businesses and local communities can do to develop more prosperous and diverse high streets.”