42% of Brits believe the high street is in decline

A survey of 5,000 consumers, produced by UKHospitality in partnership with CGA by NIQ and Zonal, reveals that 42% of Brits feel their local high street is in decline. 

The findings, published during the Labour Party Conference, confirm that the sense of high street decline is felt most significantly in suburban and rural areas.

The survey also shows that over half of those in suburban areas (55%) believe their high street is in a worse state than a year ago, with a similar response from customers in rural areas (48%). In contrast, only 19% of consumers in city centres hold this view. 

'Time to level the playing field'

UKHospitality says these results make clear that communities living outside of big cities feel they are being left behind, with their high street declining. 

The trade body also claims the survey reinforces the urgent need for the Chancellor to introduce measures at the Budget on 26 November to help revive and regenerate high streets. 

It is calling for the Chancellor to implement the maximum possible business rates discount for all hospitality properties under £500,000 rateable value, alongside a zero rate surcharge for properties above that rateable value, which will level the playing field for the high street, reduce costs and remove barriers to investment. 

The results show that the public overwhelmingly (74%) believes that hospitality needs and deserves more government support. 

Allen Simpson, chief executive of UKHospitality, comments: "These are really worrying statistics. It's clear that many of our communities, outside of big cities, feel that they are being left behind. That's unacceptable.

"This needs urgent action, and it's no coincidence that this is happening at the same time as hospitality businesses are being taxed out.

"Relentless tax and cost increases are forcing high street and community businesses to use all their available cash to pay the bills. They simply don't have the means to invest and grow, which impacts us all."

Simpson notes that one of the major barriers to high street investment and regeneration is the outdated business rates system. "Bricks and mortar businesses, like our pubs, restaurants, hotels and cafés, have for decades paid far more than their fair share, and it's time to level the playing field," he adds. 

"It's positive that the government has committed to do just that and reform the business rates system. Now it needs to provide the maximum possible discount for all hospitality properties under £500,000 rateable value, alongside a zero rate surcharge for properties above that rateable value. This is the only one way that hospitality businesses will see lower rates bills."

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