To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if his Department will provide funding to compensate the Grand Theatre, Morecambe for increases in the rent of their car park.

I understand the car park may be owned by Lancaster city council. In that context, Ministers and my Department have had no role in such any decision over rents, and this is a matter that my hon. Friend may wish to take up with the council directly.

My Department has published statutory Best Value guidance on how councils should work constructively with voluntary and community groups. This can be found at:

www.gov.uk/government/publications/best-value-statutory-guidance--4

It notes how local authorities should actively consult and engage with the voluntary and community sector and service users, before making any decision which may have a knock-on effect on community facilities, services or the wider community.