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<p>Government recognises the Retail Sector is changing. We are committed to helping
communities adapt and also supporting all parts of the retail sector during this change.</p><p>The
industry-led Retail Sector Council provides a single source of strategic liaison between
BEIS, on behalf of all relevant government departments, and retailers. All retail
activity in the UK, including small independent shops, is represented on the Council.</p><p>The
Council aims to accelerate positive change, increase the productivity of the sector,
and ensure the sector remains robust and sustainable to continue providing a beneficial
service to consumers and the community.</p><p>We have announced a £3.6 billion Towns
Fund, including an accelerated £1 billion Future High Streets Fund, which will support
local areas in England to renew and reshape town centres and high streets in a way
that improves experience, drives growth and ensures future sustainability. We are
promoting small independent shops through initiatives such as the Great British High
Street Awards, which has been won by Welsh High Streets for the past two years.</p><p>We
are also supporting local leadership with a High Streets Task Force, giving high streets
and town centres expert advice to adapt and thrive.</p><p>For one year from 1 April
2020, eligible small retailers will benefit from a 50% retail discount off their business
rates bills. This is an increase on the one third off bills available through the
retail discount scheme in 2019/20. In addition, the Government has doubled the threshold
for 100% small business rates relief, meaning more than 675,000 of the smallest businesses,
including many independent shops, pay no rates at all.</p>
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