Some interesting ideas here.
1. Ok. Some residential conversion inevitable.
2. Disagree. Charities needed, and add to high street.
3. Huge number of spurious/illegal retail businesses a massive national scandal. Despite @jim.londoncentric.media and other exposes, nothing effective done.Why?
Jeremy Rodell
Three ways to improve high streets by *raising* business rates:
1. Higher rates on long-empty shops, to force realistic rents
2. End exemption for charity shops.
3. Make landlords pay when candy/vape shops vanish with unpaid rates. They'll ensure rates are paid up-front.
