Current status: Answered by Paul Wheelhouse on 23 May 2017
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to figures from the Local Data Company suggesting that, in the last year, more shops closed in Scotland than in any other part of the UK.
We are aware of the report from the Local Data Company and whilst the figures on shop closures are of concern it is encouraging to note that Scotland fares particularly well in terms of stores opening. The report shows that the average retail vacancy rates in towns across Scotland is decreasing – 13.5% in 2013 compared to 12.6% in 2016. Matthew Hopkinson, Director at LDC, comments: "Overall, the data shows that Scotland is making good progress in responding to the challenges of modern place management.
Scotland’s Town Centre First Principle agreed with COSLA, together with the range of measures in the Town Centre Action Plan, set the conditions and underpin activity designed to tackle key issues such as empty shops, diversify the town centre offer and thereby attract a range of businesses and services to locate there. The Scottish Government will continue to work closely with the retail sector to maximise its potential in relation to the town centre agenda.
We also deliver the most competitive business tax environment in the UK, with two in five properties in Scotland paying zero or reduced rates under the Scottish Government’s Small Business Bonus Scheme and relief is also available under Fresh Start, offering businesses occupying certain long term empty properties a business rates discount for their first year in those premises.