ACS has told an influential group of MPs that high streets continue to suffer from the unrelenting stream of out of town developments.
In an evidence session on the operation of the National Planning Policy Framework, ACS Chief Executive James Lowman told the Communities and Local Government Select Committee of the failure of the Government’s ‘town centre first’ policy and the need for change to support high streets.
ACS Chief Executive James Lowman has appeared before the Communities and Local Government Select Committee today on the operation of the National Planning Policy Framework and its impact on town centre investment.
During the session, Mr Lowman presented the findings of an independent review of the planning system which showed that 76% of the new retail floor space given planning approval since the new laws came into place in March 2012 have been located out of town.
The Scottish Grocers Federation and ACS have welcomed the call by Local Government and Planning Minister Derek Mackay that urges all public bodies in Scotland to make a commitment to “town centre first” for all their new investment decisions.
Under the principle, public bodies such as councils, the police and the NHS – will be encouraged to invest in such areas, and weigh up the financial pressure of closing down town centre facilities against the benefits of maintaining vibrant, healthy high streets.
Ministers have welcomed a package of measures announced by the alcohol industry targeted at tackling irresponsible drinking. The package includes a series of measures that are being taken forward by different companies and organisations across the industry:
The Low Pay Commission has issued their annual call for evidence on the National Minimum Wage rate for 2015. ACS will be responding to the consultation and supporting the Commission’s regional visits.
At the annual Forecourt Seminar, ACS has welcomed a record attendance of retailers and suppliers to the Ricoh Arena in Coventry to hear about the latest trends and innovations in the forecourt sector.
The event, chaired by Professor Mark Selby, features award winning retailer David Charman, Symonds Managing Director Nick Lloyd, Certas Energy's Ramsay McDonald and many others sharing their views about the future of the sector and the challenges facing forecourt retailers today.
ACS is calling on the brightest up and coming stars in the retail sector to take part in this year's Achievement Award to win a place on ACS' Barcelona Study Tour.
Since its launch, the Achievement Award has sought out the most promising people in the industry on both the supply and retail sides of the sector.
At a conference of business groups and local authorities, ACS Chief Executive James Lowman has heralded the benefits of ACS’ new Primary Authority partnership.
The ‘primary authority’ scheme, one of the first to be established in the country, is a new partnership between Surrey County Council and ACS. The scheme is made possible by a change in the law that came into force on 1 October 2013, with the development of primary authority for trade associations supported by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
