9. Petitions Committee Debate: Petition P-05-967 'Welsh Government to amend its NDR relief policy to help keep Debenhams stores open in Wales'

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:44 pm on 8 July 2020.

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Photo of David Rowlands David Rowlands UKIP 5:44, 8 July 2020

Whilst we support the motion, it is disappointing to note that it could not include other iconic high-street retailers. I of course appreciate that the committee has to present the debate in the light of the original petition. I would like, however, to take this opportunity to emphasise that other major stores have closed or are about to close many of their high-street facilities. We in Torfaen have seen the closure of the Marks and Spencer store in Cwmbran town centre, and one wonders what is the financial situation of such businesses as the David Evans department store in the town, which is one of the House of Fraser chain of stores. These famous chains are often anchor stores for town centres; their absence often causes—if you'll forgive the pun—a chain reaction for the centres affected, where many small outlets cannot survive because of the reduced footfall in the town itself. Whilst we support this call on behalf of Debenhams, can I urge the Government to help all such retail outlets? The future of all our town or city centres is very much in the balance, and we must do everything we can to help sustain them.