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<p>The Government recognises that retail businesses are a vital part of high streets
and is committed to supporting and promoting them. We introduced £1.4 billion of support
for business rate bills in 2015 – 16 in England. The Autumn Statement 2015 also announced
continuation of the doubling of Small Business Rate Relief in 2016 - 17, providing
help for 600,000 rate payers, with 400,000 paying nothing at all. We are also committed
to reviewing the future structure of Business Rates, to report before Budget 2016.</p><p>We
are also bringing forward sensible planning changes to allow business to respond flexibly
to changing market conditions and are taking action to tackle over-zealous parking
practices. We have reviewed the role and power of Business Improvement Districts,
and are taking forward changes that will mean that they can become more involved in
local decisions that affect their area.</p><p>We have also run the Great British High
Street Awards since 2014, which has championed the hard work of local businesses and
communities around the country. With nearly 200,000 votes cast in the public voting
element in the 2015 Awards, the competition proves how much local people cherish our
high streets. We will continue to showcase best practice from the Awards.</p><p>The
Future High Street Forum is a joint partnership between government and the retail,
leisure and property industries. It is leading an ambitious programme of work, including
looking at town centre restructuring and the digital high street, to support town
centres to meet the changing needs of today’s consumer<strong>. </strong></p>
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