Commercial Rents

EDM number 773 in 1991-92, proposed by James Wallace on 27/02/1992.

That this House expresses its concerns that increases in commercial rents significantly above the rate of inflation make it extremely difficult for independent and specialist traders to survive, discourage economic diversity and hinder the growth of new enterprises and innovation; notes that new leases are now being agreed with lower rents in the recent past because of the current recession, but that many small businesses are still paying exorbitant rents demanded by landlords in leases agreed at the height of the property boom; 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 10 MPs.