Business rates in Hamilton town centre

Business rates in Hamilton town centre | South Lanarkshire Council

Idea	Decrease rents to encourage new and existing shops to Hamilton town centre and surrounding areas.
Response	The council works closely with the owners of commercial property in Hamilton but owns very little in the way of retail premises and therefore is not in a position to directly influence the level of rent. We are, however, aware that many landlords have reduced their rents, which has resulted in a number of local businesses taking space they may not otherwise have been able to afford. While rent can be a barrier for some retailers, their decisions on where to trade are based on many different factors. Although the council does not have direct control of the units, we continue to work with landlords to maximise the opportunities in the town.

Idea

Decrease rents to encourage new and existing shops to Hamilton town centre and surrounding areas.

Response

The council works closely with the owners of commercial property in Hamilton but owns very little in the way of retail premises and therefore is not in a position to directly influence the level of rent. We are, however, aware that many landlords have reduced their rents, which has resulted in a number of local businesses taking space they may not otherwise have been able to afford. While rent can be a barrier for some retailers, their decisions on where to trade are based on many different factors. Although the council does not have direct control of the units, we continue to work with landlords to maximise the opportunities in the town.