16. To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps she is taking to encourage provision of low-cost retailing space in town centres for small, local and start-up businesses through the rating and planning systems. (248954)

Our forthcoming refinements to town centre policy will make clear that councils should plan proactively to secure a mix of units in new developments to provide for small businesses including starter premises.

In addition, small business rate relief, introduced in 2005, offers up to 50 per cent. reductions in rates bills for businesses occupying only one property.