Commercial Rents

EDM number 1321 in 1989-90, proposed by David Steel on 23/07/1990.

That this House expresses its concern that increases in commercial rents significantly above inflation make it extremely difficult for independent and specialist traders to survive, discourage economic diversity and hinder the growth of new enterprises and innovation; believes that the historical identity of local communities and areas of national interest are being lost as a result of the imposition of so-called market rents which are in reality distorted by planning controls and the tax system; regrets that as a result independent shops and restaurants are forced out of business to be replaced by chain stores and offices; and calls on Her Majesty's Government to establish a cross-Department working party to bring forward urgent proposals to prevent excessive rent increases, thus ensuring that the independent trader has a viable future.

This motion has been signed by a total of 12 MPs.