Angela Rayner, the former deputy prime minister, has issued a stark warning that Sir Keir Starmer's Government must urgently begin delivering on its election promises, particularly those aimed at revitalising the nighttime economy. Speaking at a nighttime economy summit in Liverpool, Rayner emphasised the critical need for additional support for this sector to aid struggling towns and cities across the nation.
Rayner's Call for Immediate Action
During her address, Rayner proposed that the Government should conduct a comprehensive review of business rates and apply "rocket boosters" to its activities within the nighttime sector. This, she argued, would invigorate economic prosperity and breathe new life into declining high streets. She highlighted the intersectionality of challenges facing businesses, including rising costs related to VAT, minimum wage increases, and energy expenses.
Addressing Sector-Specific Challenges
In a question and answer session following her speech, Rayner, who was forced from Government last year due to a tax controversy involving her properties, elaborated on the pressures. "We've got to start looking at the intersectionality of all these challenges and start relieving some of them," she stated. Rayner stressed that despite the Government's short time in office, there is an immediate need to demonstrate urgency in addressing the sector's plight.
Rayner advocated for a more "permissive approach" to licensing within the nighttime economy and expressed support for appointing a dedicated minister to champion the sector at a national level. She underscored the vital role of hospitality and nighttime activities in community revitalisation, noting, "People see the high street and they think it's decaying. And actually, it's the hospitality sector and the nighttime economy that is really breathing life back into our communities and our high streets."
Regional Leaders Echo Support
The summit also featured contributions from Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, and Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, both of whom emphasised the significance of nighttime economies to their respective areas. Burnham remarked, "This sector brings the gold dust. It brings the visitors, it brings everything. If we didn't have what we've got, and lucky to have, then our city regions would be nowhere near where we want them to be."
Light-Hearted Moment Highlights Collaboration
In a lighter moment, Burnham joked about his collaborative book with Rotheram, titled "Head North," which details their experiences after leaving Westminster. He quipped, "And I just need to say to you today, the sequel, Head South, is currently on hold. But who knows. It might be available at some point in the future." This anecdote underscored the ongoing partnership between regional leaders in advocating for economic support.
Rayner concluded by urging policymakers to develop practical strategies that drive growth in the nighttime economy, asserting that such efforts are essential for the survival and enhancement of high streets nationwide. Her comments reflect a growing consensus among political figures on the need for targeted interventions to sustain this crucial sector.
