Welsh ministers issue call to save high streets

Author: Ashley Curtis - 22 October 2012

Welsh Conservative ministers are calling for a reform to business rates as part of a plan to save the country's dwindling high street footfall, reports walesonline.co.uk.

A possible hike in business rate multiplier for large supermarkets, a high street 'charter' and town centre managers to spearhead development are just some of the developments mulled over by ministers.

In addition, features.rr.com cites the proposals also recommend creating teams of local people to form 'strategies' for each high street - which could include recommending brands for the high street, implementing street furniture bins to reduce litter or curating events or concerts to jazz up the public realm.

The policy echoes similar findings in the Portas Review in December last year, which related exclusively to England.

Tory leader Andrew RT Davies commented on the rallying call: "The Welsh Government's business rates regime is a major obstacle to growth, which makes it more challenging for small businesses to develop, expand and create new jobs. Wales has the most competitive business rates in the UK for major superstores, but the least competitive rates in the UK for small businesses.

"While large superstores can offer great choice to consumer and provide thousands of jobs, we must ensure that there is a level playing field where small businesses have a chance to compete," he added.