Government Response to the Committee's report "High Streets: Life beyond retail?"

This is the government's response, published 6 February 2025.

Summary written by Accountability Index from the government's response. It is not the government's own words.

The government agrees with the Committee on the importance of local partnership working and public transport, but leaves several matters to local authorities and says it is not currently intending to expand Use Class E.

• On business rates, the government has "committed to creating a fairer business rates system", intends permanently lower rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties "from 2026-27", and will publish an update "in due course".
• On Business Improvement Districts, it has "no plans to mandate" their establishment or community participation "at this time", but "will explore" how far community groups and residents are currently represented on BID boards.
• On commercial property acquisition, it does "not think it appropriate for the Government to have a role in assessing the capability of individual authorities". On High Street Rental Auctions it has committed to a regulatory review within five years of commencement.
• On planning, it is "not currently intending to expand Class E but will keep this position under review", and will keep permitted development rights under review.

Read the government's response ↗ Report an error