Losses like Debenhams could be halted

Speaking today after the announcement that Debenhams in Stockton High Street is among the stores earmarked for closure, David Minchella, Stockton Liberal Democrat campaigner, is extremely concerned about the news that the store is closing in 2020.

David says "This is a huge loss to Stockton. I feel deeply for those people who will be losing their jobs, and those who do not, for whatever reason, shop online or visit other shopping areas.

It makes the case even stronger for the Government to adopt Lib Dem policy to scrap the present business rate system, to allow town centres to be truly back in local control. Planning rules should be allowed to be reformed locally, and retailers helped to adapt to the digital economy.

All of this would help what is already happening to ensure our local High Streets are able to respond to the changing retail environment"