EMPTY SHOPS

Early day motion 60, tabled 25 May 2010 by Bob Russell (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 21 members.

That this House notes with grave concern the increase in the number of empty shops in traditional town and neighbourhood centres; calls on the Government as a matter of urgency to consider a range of options to halt further closures and assist in the restoration to retail use of closed premises; specifically urges that value added tax for refurbishment works on retail premises should be reduced from 15 per cent. to five per cent., that business rates for retail premises should be frozen and that upward rent review clauses which automatically allow rents to rise should be scrapped; and further urges that planning, financial and parking policies which discriminate in favour of out-of-town shopping centres should be reviewed so that there is a level playing field with traditional town centres and neighbourhood shopping centres.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 10, Labour 6, DUP 3, Plaid Cymru 2.