TOWN CENTRE BUSINESS RATES

That this House is aware of the recent poll conducted by the British Retail Consortium which showed that two-thirds of hon. Members believe that high streets in their constituencies had deteriorated noticeably over the last five years and that taking action against the rising costs of doing business in this sector should be a priority towards securing them a healthy future; understands the importance of high streets being essential to local economies and focal points for communities; recalls, however, that business rates have risen by an average 10 per cent over the last two years, adding over half a billion pounds to retailers' bills during times of extremely tough trading conditions; believes immediate help is required to support many high street traders who are facing real endurance tests in these challenging economic times; and supports the petition to Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer to freeze business rates which are set to rise a further 2.6 per cent in 2013, to help breathe life back into town centre areas.