The Autumn Statement, in which Chancellor George Osborne froze business rates increases at 2 per cent for the next two years, took a significant amount of pressure off small retail businesses operating commercial properties in town centres. However, the government still faces criticism over attempts to regenerate the nation’s high streets, with many industry bodies believing that not enough is being done to support struggling SMEs.
Eric Pickles MP (centre)
In response, Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has put aside £1 billion of additional funding to be used for the ongoing support and rejuvenation of Britain’s high streets and the independent retailers which operate on them. This, he hopes, will allow retailers to expand, thereby reducing the number of empty commercial properties in our town centres.
One of the most significant aspects of the plan will involve a consultation process regarding aggressive parking policies, which the government believes will lower costs for motorists and encourage the public to shop locally. Perceived problems such as the use of CCTV for enforcement, “grace periods” before issuing tickets and a review of double yellow lines will all be addressed under the terms of this consultation.
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin believes that allowing for more flexibility in town centre parking zones will greatly assist in encouraging consumers back onto the high street.
He says; “Unfair parking fines blight the use of our high streets and force shoppers out of towns.
“We want to rein back aggressive rules by banning the use of CCTV for parking enforcement, reviewing the use of yellow lines and giving shoppers a ‘grace period’ to get back to their car after their ticket has run out before they get fined.
“We will also update guidance to emphasise a less heavy-handed approach to parking enforcement and to reinforce that charges and fines cannot be used as a means to raise cash.”
Steps have also been taken to address the matter of high vacancy rates within town centres. Permitted development rights will be reviewed in order to make change of use easier.
Furthermore, in order to create additional retail space in areas which garner high consumer footfall, the government will consult on allowing developers to create mezzanine floors within existing retail premises. This will allow successful independent retailers to increase their floor space without having to move to a different property and therefore be able to continue to support their high street.
Mr Pickles says; “The way we use our high streets is changing and the measures unveiled today give councils more power to reflect that in the way their high streets look and operate.
“By providing excellent local services and offering communities a vibrant place to spend their leisure time and money, local authorities can secure the future of their high streets for many years to come.”
Would you be more inclined to visit your local town centre, rather than spending online or in an out of town retail park, if parking charges were more reasonable?
Previous Post
Record Number of Start-Ups Established in 2013
