Communities and Local Government CommitteeLetter from Brandon Lewis MP, Parliamentary Undersecretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government (6 Dec 2013)
Following the DCLG Select Committee sitting in September when you invited Mary Portas to discuss the Report she published in December 2011, I am writing to let you know of the package of measures the Government is announcing today to help high streets and town centres across the country.
You will be aware of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement yesterday which included the biggest package of business rates support in over 20 years, providing approximately £950m benefit to all businesses in England, of which approximately £500m will benefit retail in England. In addition we are announcing
a review of Business Improvement Districts;
consultations on new permitted development rights;
changes making it faster for local authorities to implement Local Development Orders;
clarity on retail land reviews;
consultation on local authority parking;
a freeze on parking penalty charges;
a call for evidence on red tape; and
a competition for digital technology on high streets.
Further details can be found in the press notice and supporting document at the following links:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/eric-pickles-launches-package-of-support-for-local-shops
I consider these measures to be significant steps forward in helping local authorities, town teams and all those working tirelessly in their town centres address the challenging and changing environment for high streets in the 21 Century.