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Cameron announces plans for small retailers

David Cameron has announced new proposals to support small retailers during a speech at the launch of ‘Disappearing Britain’, the interim report of the Conservatives’ Small Shops Commission. During his speech, Cameron said it was up to local councils to ‘use their clout’ to keep small shops alive, adding that estimates have suggested up to 2,000 small shops go out of business each year.

The announcement follows recent research which revealed that small firms felt politicians in general did not have enough experience of business.

The Commission was launched in 2007 using the knowledge of MPs and retail industry experts to examine issues facing small businesses. Among the proposals included in the report, Cameron announced that the Tories would oppose government plans to scrap the needs test currently used by councils to help them block unwanted out-of-town superstores.

He also said his party would promote civic partnerships to ensure high street diversity is a factor in local planning decisions, and encourage joint initiatives between local councils and businesses to tackle retail crime and neighbourhood decline.

Cameron stressed that small shops are essential to keep communities alive: “Small shops are the lifeblood of local economies and provide a lifeline to local residents - their survival is vital.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .