Town Centre Action Plan

That the Parliament supports the range of actions identified in the Town Centre Action Plan and welcomes the work of the National Town Centre Review External Advisory Group; recognises the importance of town centres as a base for improving local economies and for local business and employment; acknowledges that successful town centres provide communities with a range of accessible services and are attractive areas in which to socialise; agrees that local decision making and delivery is important to reflect the specific and diverse needs of Scotland’s town centres; recognises the benefits of having the most competitive business rates package in the UK through measures such as the Small Business Bonus Scheme, Fresh Start rates relief and by capping the 2014-15 poundage rate, and calls on elected representatives at all levels, local communities and wider public and private sector partners to continue to work together to revitalise Scotland's town centres.