The British Retail Consortium has called on the government to help to rebuild the high streets and help UK businesses and properties recover from the recent riots.
In a letter to prime minister David Cameron, the BRC calls for: a freeze on business rates and national insurance for those operating from damaged premises; fast planning permission for repairs; recourse to compensation under the Riots Damages Act 1986; and effective local authority partnerships with affected businesses.
Scores of stores were victims to looting and property vandalism over four days of riots across London and other regional cities, beginning on Saturday 6 August.
Stephen Robertson, BRC director general, said in the letter: “It is essential that the government gives a clear signal of support to the affected communities and the retailers at their heart. We stand ready to work with the government on these matters in order to make Britain’s high streets a great place for retail once more.”
Other retailers, including hardware store H Glickman, which was subject to substantial damage on Tottenham High Road, N17, say support is also needed to convince real estate investors not to be discouraged from investing in certain areas.
Derek Tyalor, H Glickman’s manager, said: “There are several landlords here who have lost everything, including a long-established jewellers, and unless there is rapid government help, I don’t think a lot of the stores on the road will return again after this damage.”
joanna.bourke@estatesgazette.com
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