The Government urgently needs to tackle the ‘uneven playing field’ which is helping online retailers thrive while the high street continues to fall further into decline, according to a retail property expert.
Martin Herbert, director of retail at Birmingham-based national commercial property consultancy Lambert Smith Hampton, said: “We welcome the findings of the Grimsey review and agree with a number of the recommendations.
“However, the review could go further in addressing the uneven playing field online retailing has created between high street retailers and global internet traders.
The Grimsey review on high street policy is being authored by retail executive Bill Grimsey.
"The self-funded review by the former chief executive of Iceland and Wickes was published this month as an alternative to the government-backed report by retail guru Mary Portas to tackle the issue of ailiing high streets.
Mr Herbert added: “What the review fails to address is the impact business taxation has had on British high streets.
"The introduction of a sales tax for online retailing could help address the imbalance between the high-street and internet shopping, and the funds generated could be ring-fenced and invested back into town centres in need of regeneration.”
“The review might make difficult reading for some, but the problem of declining town centres needs a tough solution.
"We must take the next step and rethink the strategy to bring back life to once thriving areas.”