• THE subject of business rents charged by landlords is an ongoing source of concern, not least in areas in which small business enterprises attempt to start up and add to the variety and appeal of the sorely tried “high street”.

It takes courage and belief to commence the creation of a small business and local authorities should have the means and legal clout to take steps to ensure that rents do not act against the social well-being and convenience brought by a variety of local businesses to their areas; even more so when online shopping is able to act in competition with no comparable financial restrictions imposed on it.

Let us place a proper value on the social amenity importance of local shops/businesses to ensure that these invaluable enterprises are given every chance to exist and prosper.

MARK NEWBERRY
Harcourt Street, W1