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Brian Binley, Northampton South MP and Chairman of the Conservative Parliamentary Enterprise Group, published today a report into Britain’s high streets. The commission into small shops in the high street has focused on the current problems of independent town centre retailers.
The Commission was set up to study the current threats facing independent traders and to identify ways to help the sector flourish. In particular, the report has focused on the areas of parking, crime, transportation and rents, in an attempt to directly address the issues which pose a threat to small shops.
The Commission recommends that the Conservative Party:
- Plays a leadership role in promoting town management partnership initiatives that encourage local communities to work together to protect and improve the quality of their high streets.
- Allows local councils to ensure out – of – town retail developments work with the needs of the local communities.
- Encourages more local authorities to promote joint initiatives with businesses and the police to tackle crime and disorder, and preserve fair competition for small retailers.
- Encourages councils to give stronger consideration to the impact of parking provision and charging on high streets and town centres.
- Reviews business rates and rent arrangements ensuring they are fair to independent retailers whilst promoting the rate relief available to smaller shops.
Commenting on the importance of independent retailers within the local communities, Brian Binley said:
‘Our town and city centres lie at the heart of our communities and are as vital to their health as the heart is to the body. Yet over the last thirty years or so, the centres of many of our communities have suffered a gradual but persistent decline. Ring roads, parking charges, out-of-town developments, and poor planning have made them less safe and less attractive places to visit.’
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