New Government Measures to Help Shops Announced

Posted on 17 December, 2013 by Kirsten Kennedy

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?




Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.


Recent Posts

Interest Rates Impact on Commercial Property

Commercial Property Investment Outlook for 2023

The best places to stay on the Riviera

The latest property data has identified Newquay as the fastest property seller’s market in the UK

Investing in your garden can increase your property’s value

French Riviera temping high-end homebuyers

How can the ownership rights of my commercial property impact a business sale?

Should I incorporate virtual property viewings permanently?

Investment expected to increase across Asia-Pacific in 2021

UK property industry slows as the conclusion of tax break looms

BNP Paribas cautioned investors on Friday as debt-trading bonanza that increased its earnings this past year

Over 300,000 property purchases fell through in 2020 – we show the most frequent motives and the best way to get your house sale back on track

House Prices in the Capital Surpass £500,000

Optimism from the Bank of England’s chief economist

The most expensive commercial properties.

Businesses operating from shared premises will miss out on grants