Inquiry launched examining how high streets can survive the economic and social effects of Covid-19
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Communities and Local Government Committee has announced a new inquiry to examine how high streets can survive the economic and social consequences of Covid-19.
In their report published last year, the Committee highlighted the challenges facing high streets and town centres due to strong competition from online competitors, an unfair taxation regime and the fragmented ownership of commercial properties. The Covid-19 pandemic has placed a further burden on shops and businesses, with non-essential businesses having to close, and others having to adapt to continue operating during lockdown. As the country emerges from lockdown, businesses face the challenge of providing services in a manner that will ensure the health of customers and staff is not endangered, while at the same time being able to operate at a profit or simply break even.
The inquiry will examine the long-term consequences of the Covid-19 outbreak on the future of the high street. It is interested in how government, at all levels, can mitigate the economic and social impact and develop policies to ensure high streets remain the centre of local communities. The Committee will look at the impact of existing measures to support the high street, including the business rate holiday, as well as the broader role of taxation in enabling high street businesses to remain viable.
Share your views
This inquiry is currently accepting evidence.
The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee welcome submissions from anyone with answers to the questions in the call for evidence.
The Committee invites evidence on the following issues:
The likely long-term consequence of the COVID-19 outbreak on the future of the high street;
How councils, central government, and other stakeholders are and can help mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the high street and town centres;
Assess the Government's previous and current measures to bolster the high street; including the effect of the business rate holiday during the COVID-19 outbreak and the impact of its ending;
The progress made on implementing the recommendations of the previous committee's report of February 2019.
To find out more and submit evidence visit the UK Parliament website here.
You can submit evidence until Monday 14 September 2020.