Written questions by McIntyre.

Under the universal service obligation what requirement does Royal Mail have to report and monitor the delivery of second class post.

Awaiting answer.

What steps his Department is taking to help support independent high street businesses in Gloucester constituency.

This government is focused on ensuring that high streets are great places for independent businesses to thrive and support local economic growth. Through the Small Business Plan, the government sets out its vision to support small businesses operating on high streets and within the everyday economy.Independent high street businesses in Gloucester can use face-to-face support from The Growth Hub Gloucestershire and benefit from national measures including action to tackle retail crime, reduce vacancies and make support easier to access through our Business Growth Service. Later this year we’ll publish a new High Streets Strategy that will build on the £5bn Pride in Place Programme to renew our neighbourhoods and high streets.

What steps his Department is taking to address rogue builders in (a) Gloucester and (b) England.

We continue to engage with stakeholders as to whether a wider licencing scheme would improve standards of consumer protection. This work is progressing alongside our broader initiatives to improve consumer redress routes and to enhance competency across the construction sector through the Industry Competence Committee, ensuring a comprehensive approach to raising standards throughout the industry.Furthermore, the Government is fully committed to implementing the Grenfell Inquiry recommendation that principal contractors working on higher-risk buildings should be licenced through a scheme managed by the Building Safety Regulator. We have accepted this recommendation as an important step in enhancing building safety standards.

What steps he is taking to support business investment in (a) Gloucester constituency and (b) the South West.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) promotes and supports investment opportunities across all of the UK. In Gloucester, DBT has a strong relationship with the County Council and proactively promotes the counties sector strengths, particularly in a...

What steps he is taking to improve access to Post Office services in (a) Gloucester and (b) the South West.

Government remains committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Post Office network, and as stated in our manifesto, Government will work to strengthen the network in the South West and across the country in consultation with postmasters, tra...