Brake Shows His Support For Small Shops

10.19.58am GMT Tue 5th Jan 2010

MP for Carshalton and Wallington Tom Brake has shown his support for local small shops by tabling an Early Day Motion (EDM) in Parliament.

The EDM comes as the Greater London Authority (GLA) launched a review into small shops in October. The review will look at measures designed to protect London's local shops, what progress has been made on implementing planning policies to support them and what more needs to be done through the London Plan.

Tom's EDM recognises the importance of small local retailers in communities in London and calls on the GLA to introduce new measures which will help to create a fairer market place and allow for a more balanced relationship between small and large businesses.

Commenting on the review Tom said, 'Small retailers have been hit hard by the recession and large supermarkets moving into their local areas. They are vital in maintaining the character of local high streets through keeping them successful and diverse. After speaking to local shop owners I am only too aware of the many challenges they are facing to their businesses. '

'I welcome the GLA's review and hope that it leads to the introduction of stronger planning laws that protect neighbourhood shops and measures that create a fairer market place.'

Tom's EDM was tabled in early December and 22 other MPs have now signed it showing their support for the issue.