To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to assist local retailers in adapting to a changing high street environment, including rising costs and an increase in online shopping.
Answered on
20 July 2023
This Government is committed to supporting high streets. A £400 billion package helped businesses impacted by COVID-19, whilst almost £8 billion has been invested in long-term initiatives to strengthen our local businesses.
The Levelling Up & Regeneration Bill introduces High Street Rental Auctions, to help communities and businesses take control of empty properties at affordable market rents.
The Law Commission is reviewing the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, part II. The review, which aims to make commercial property more accessible to small businesses, is anticipated to run until September 2025. The Energy Bills Discount Scheme (EBDS) provides a baseline discount to eligible non-domestic customers from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024, and the 3-year Exchequer funded Transitional Relief scheme, worth £1.6 billion, supports around 700,000 ratepayers in England.
These measures demonstrate Government’s commitment to supporting retailers in a changing environment.