The Government’s ‘right to buy’ proposed legislation in the Localism Bill is causing havoc amongst retailers who are stepping out in opposition. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has now published its response to it, which highlights several issues
of concern for its members. The industry representative group argues that allowing community groups first option on any property up for sale in their area will damage retail businesses of all sizes.
Tom Ironside, BRC Director of Business and Regulation, said: “At a time when the government is rightly putting growth and job creation at the top of its agenda and recognising retail’s key role in achieving that, it must give businesses the certainty they need to make investment decisions. ‘Right to Buy’will only work if local needs and decision-makers operate within a sensible national framework so retailers small and large can buy and sell efficiently.”
The BRC has asked for more clarity as to which properties qualify as community assets and that undeveloped land and buildings with only potential future community value should be excluded.
