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Written question asked by Simon Hughes (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 17 December 2013, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 January 2014 (named day). It was answered by Brandon Lewis (Conservative) on Monday, 6 January 2014 on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Urban Areas

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps he has taken to support small high street businesses.

Answer

The Government recognises that small businesses are a vital part of high streets and is committed to supporting them, as highlighted in our support for Small Business Saturday on 7 December. On 5 and 6 December we announced a range of powerful new measures to provide the tools for local communities to transform their high streets and town centres, including the biggest business rates support package for over 20 years.

We are introducing a business rates discount of £1,000 for smaller retail premises for two years from April, and 50% business rates relief for up to 18 months for new occupants of shops that have been vacant for a year. We are capping next year’s business rates RPI increase at 2%. As well as doubling small business rate relief for a further year to March 2015, we will relax the rate relief criteria to remove the disincentive for the smallest businesses to take on second properties. Other measures to support high streets include tackling aggressive and unhelpful parking policies, a review of business improvement districts, consultations on new permitted development rights, further planning simplification, a call for evidence on red tape and support for the digital high streets. More information can be found in the press release at:

www.gov.uk/government/news/eric-pickles-launches-package-of-support-for-local-shops

Smaller retailers will also benefit from the Government’s introduction this year of a £2,000 employment allowance for all businesses to reduce their national insurance contributions bill each year, and a falling corporation tax rate. Government will make it cheaper for businesses to employ young people by abolishing employer national insurance contributions for under 21-year-olds on earnings

up to £813 per week. Small retailers can also take advantage of the range of support offered by Government to help small and medium-sized businesses to start and thrive.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
180962; 573 cc110-1W
Session
2013-14
Subjects
Government assistance Small businesses Retail trade Urban areas
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk