SMALL SHOPS

Motion Text

That this House values the diversity and choice offered by small independent and local shops in the face of the growing dominance of national chains; recognises the increasing difficulties that small independent and local shops are facing with large rent rises in town centres and high streets; applauds the Evening Standard's Save our Small Shops campaign; encourages the public to make use of small, independent, local shops; condemns those landlords who raise rent excessively, letting only to chain stores; urges consideration of new business conservation areas that cap the number of chain stores; supports the proposal for small shop loyalty card schemes for every borough; and urges simplification of the regulation to which small shops are obliged to adhere.