Taking stock

LIKE his predecessors, David Cameron promised to cut red tape when he came to power. And, just like the previous occupiers of 10 Downing Street, this Prime Minister has failed to deliver the reforms that he promised.

Regrettably, this is the only conclusion that can be drawn from the proposed measures to kickstart the retail industry and also the wider economy which has ground to a virtual standstill as concerns grow about Britain’s outlook.

The paucity of the Government’s response to the public’s worries about the economy is, perhaps, reflected by today’s move to lower the age at which people can buy harmless Christmas crackers.

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A little-known rule, it may assist some retailers later this year – but its wider impact will be negligible. Likewise, the decision to allow shops to sell liquor chocolates without having to sell a licence. Many will have been ignorant of this requirement, but its existence has certainly not had an impact on the number of people employed by the stores concerned.

While the Government, at least, recognises the counter-productive nature of many business regulations, Ministers will have to be far more radical in the months ahead if the high street is to prosper. What is needed is imaginative tax breaks and incentives that encourage entrepreneurs to take out leases on empty shop premises. That is likely to create far more of a feelgood factor than rows of vacant units that become a magnet for vandals and drive shoppers away from town centres.

Less red tape will be welcomed by all, but it will be pretty pointless if there are fewer shops to take advantage of the coalition’s more enlightened approach.

That is why Business Secretary Vince Cable’s announcement should now be backed up with decisive action to rejuvenate Britain’s high streets.