The government today launched a new package of support for the UK’s high streets, claiming it would help “secure their future for years to come”.
The plans, announced by communities secretary Eric Pickles, include a consultation on permitting change of use in town centres from retail premises to restaurants, cinemas, gyms, skating rinks or swimming pools.
Ministers will also look at plans to allowing the installation of mezzanine floors in retail premises “where this would support the town centre”.
“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”
Eric Pickles
Pickles’ plans also feature a new consultation to tackle aggressive parking policies, which he said harmed high streets, with a review of double yellow lines to allow motorists “grace periods” and proposals to stop CCTV being used for enforcement.
The government said it will also cap increases in parking penalty charges for the rest of the parliament.
The announcements follow yesterday’s rates announcements by chancellor George Osborne, including a £1,000 discount for retail premises with a rateable value of up to £50,000.
Ministers have also agreed to cap the increase in business rates to 2% in 2014-15, instead of the previously expected 3.2% rise.
Technology
Today the government said it would also look at the importance of online technology in the future of the high street, with a new multimillion-pound competition run by the Technology Strategy Board to support business-led digital town centres.
It will also fund £4.7m of research into e-commerce and digital high streets innovations.
“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,” said Pickles.
“New tax breaks for shops and sensible changes to overzealous parking rules will help make high streets more attractive to shoppers. And 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.”
“Unfair parking fines blight the use of our high streets and force shoppers out of towns,” added transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin.
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