I don't understand why the local councils don't abolish rates for businesses in the high street. It's better that there is a business there generating taxes indirectly and improving the look and social utility of the high street than having a wasteland with no businesses at all.

They also need some sort of tax forgiveness if they are to be at all competitive with the major online retailers who pay very little effective tax - which isn't really on them but on national governments to level the playing field.