MPs launch inquiry into high streets after COVID-19

A cross-party group of MPs has launched an inquiry into how best to support high streets through the economic challenges of the pandemic.

The inquiry by the housing, communities and local government select committee will look at the long-term consequences of the Covid-19 outbreak on the future of the high street.

It will also ask 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.

In addition, 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.

‘Last year, the housing, communities and local government committee published a report that highlighted the dire situation for many high streets and town centres,’ said committee chair, Clive Betts.

‘High rents, an unfair business rates system, and competition from on-line retailers who do not have to bear similar costs placed an intolerable burden on more and more high street businesses. No one was immune from this burden and it hit nationally known chains as hard as independent boutiques.

‘The economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic present an enormous challenge and we must make sure it is not the knockout blow for our high streets,’ added Mr Betts.

‘We do not know what the long term consequences of COVID-19 will be and how drastically our day-to-day lives will be changed. But was is clear is that having local amenities providing a range of services will be as important now as it has ever been.

‘We have launched this inquiry to understand what short term measures will be needed to ensure that high streets survive, and understand what long-term strategies will enable them to thrive. Shops and public services will not be able to get through this without our help, and we must assess what the Government can do to ensure they have a future.’

For more information about the inquiry, visit the committee’s website here.

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