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<p>We have cut small business rates and given councils a financial incentive to support high streets. Changes to planning rules mean that it is now easier to change the use of buildings. Consultation closed earlier this month on further relaxations of planning rules to make it easier to bring empty and underused buildings back to life, revitalising high streets and providing much-needed homes. We have also confirmed our intention to amend the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations to make it easier to bring vacant shops and other town centre units back into use without becoming liable for the levy. These changes will help town centre landlords make better use of their empty properties, get more start-up businesses set up in the high street, and see a third of a million small businesses paying no rates at all.</p><p>In addition, Government has provided communities across the country with a multi-million pound package of support so they can try new ideas to drive their local economy. Beyond the Portas Pilots and Town Team Partners, who shared over £5.6 million, Government has invested £10 million through the High Street Innovation Fund in the 100 areas with the highest empty property rates and those affected by the riots, and £1 million of High Street Renewal Awards. This is alongside more than £115 million of Government funding to boost enterprise and initiate business start ups.</p><p>Government has also committed £235 million of direct funding, to help local authorities, housing associations and community groups tackle the most problematic empty properties, which would not otherwise come back into use. The last funding round had a particular emphasis on refurbishing former commercial and high street properties.</p><p>We are working with an industry-led taskforce to explore distressed commercial property and its causes. This is due to publish its report soon. Finally, we established the Future High Streets Forum which is advising the Government how better use could be made of existing buildings, including with pop up shops.</p> |