The Courier, The Press and Journal, and The Sunday Post have launched a joint editorial campaign urging reform to business rates relief, to bring empty commercial properties back into use and support Scotland’s local economies.
In a rare, coordinated initiative spanning three established Scottish news brands, the Fresh Start campaign will put the future of high streets, town centres and local economies at the centre of public debate.
Launching with joint front pages and editorial coverage, the campaign is calling for a change to existing business rates relief rules so that all vacant commercial properties become eligible for a 12-month exemption immediately, rather than only after six months standing empty.
The campaign argues that accelerating support for empty units could help encourage occupancy, support small businesses, increase footfall and strengthen communities across Scotland.
Fresh Start will combine reporting, data, reader experiences, expert views and political scrutiny to explore the challenges facing local economies, whilst identifying practical solutions.
Craig Walker, Editor of The Press and Journal, said: “Businesses have faced huge challenges in recent years and, as a result, our traditional high streets have bore the brunt.
"The reality is we’re never going to get back the days of chain store after chain store filling those units, however, there is still huge potential to make the high streets somewhere people want to go to spend money, support business and help bring back to life.
“Fresh Start is calling for change to the existing rates relief rules but it will also highlight what is already great about our town and city centres. We’ll showcase those thriving in spite of the extreme challenges facing business but there will also be some tough tales of businesses struggling to survive and the tough choices being made every day.
“We feel what we’re campaigning for is a simple measure which has the potential to have a big impact across Scotland and put our town and city centres on a firm footing for success in the future.”
Fresh Start launches today across print, digital platforms and social channels from The Courier, The Press and Journal and The Sunday Post.