§ Mr. LockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what financial assistance is available through local government to support small and specialist shops in small and medium-sized towns; and if he will make a statement. [88616]
§ Mr. MealeThere is no specific financial assistance available for small and specialist shops in small or medium sized towns. The Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) does fund comprehensive regeneration schemes put forward by local partnerships (which may include local authorities) in deprived areas. These schemes usually have multiple objectives and it is not possible to quantify their benefit to particular business groups. However, small shops may benefit from schemes which assist business start-ups, living over the shop, environmental improvements and provision of security measures.
The Government are considering measures to reduce the rate burden on small businesses as was stated in our White Paper "Modern Local Government—In touch with the People" published last July. We intend to consult further on proposals in the autumn.