Alongside today’s Budget, today saw the publication of the Government’s ‘Hope on the High Street’. But does it deliver for the UK’s flagship high streets? High Streets UK Chair, Dee Corsi, sets out our reaction below:

‘The Government’s launch of Hope on the High Street alongside today’s Budget is a welcome statement of ambition for our high streets. A two-year real-term freeze on business rates for all retail, hospitality and leisure businesses is encouraging, as is the recognition of Business Improvement Districts as partners in running high streets. Support for smaller businesses is welcome, and the next step is to make sure the flagship stores that bring the footfall the whole sector relies on share in it. We now need fundamental reform of the business rates system so that it rewards investment and moves away from the cliff edges that discourage it.

‘We also welcome the focus on visible policing and on tackling organised crime and anti-social behaviour to restore confidence in our city centres. But high street vitality also depends on a thriving visitor economy. As the Overnight Visitor Levy is introduced, its receipts should be ring-fenced for the visitor economy rather than absorbed into wider budgets, with the businesses that deliver the visitor experience at the table in deciding how they’re spent.  

‘And with the Visitor Economy Growth Strategy still to come, the inclusion of tax-free shopping or a visitor spending incentive would restore international competitiveness to help the UK’s flagship high streets thrive.’