A report from the Centre for Cities suggests that the “High Street” in York is below average in the progress it is making with post COVID recovery.
York has an overall “score” of 29 compared to Leeds which scores (a worse) 24.
The best (Basildon) scores 61.
The data comes from an analysis of mobile phone activity.
Traders will be hoping that the further easing of restrictions on Saturday will help to kick start a more significant upturn in economic activity in the City.
The York Council has announced that it will help to fund 3 projects which support the governments initiative to help “High Streets”.
Two of the projects are located in the Westfield ward
The York BID will get an additional £27,300 for York City Centre Cleaning
The Friends of Acomb Green will get £4,500 for a Community Clean Up Day
Acomb Alive gets a £1,200 boost which is to be used for improving seat furniture.
The Council says that it is supporting the extension of existing grant beneficiaries as there “wasn’t time to seek fresh bids before the governments deadline”.
Retail businesses qualifying for rates relief
The Council has announced how it proposes to implement the governments rates reduction scheme for retailers.
In order to help the beleaguered High Street, retailers will get a 1/3 reduction in business rates.
Small businesses with Rateable Values of under £12,000 don’t pay business rates anyway. Now those with Rateable Values of up to £51,000 will get more help.
The purpose of this new discount is to support the ‘high street’ which has been affected by changes in consumer spending preferences such as online shopping. The relief is temporary for two years from April 2019.
A report to a meeting next week says, “The purpose of this new discount is to support the ‘high street’ which has been affected by changes in consumer spending preferences such as online shopping. The relief is temporary for two years from April 2019”.
There are some notable exclusions from the scheme. These include professional services, cinemas, theatres, museums, night clubs and music venues.
Some eyebrows will be raised that restaurants and bars operating in the profitable hospitality economy in the City centre may qualify for discounts.
The Council will implement an “appeals” process for any businesses that feel aggrieved with their categorisation.
The scheme does little to address the underlying problem of low-cost on-line retailers who many think provide unfair competition.
