Ministers urged to provide rescue package for ailing high streets

MPs committee report suggests online sales tax and more help for local authorities

The government should consider taxing online sales, deliveries or packaging and cutting property taxes for retailers as part of a package to help revive the UK's ailing high streets, according to an influential group of MPs.

In a report published on Thursday, the housing communities and local government committee says local authorities need more help, including extra cash, to redevelop town centres. It also suggests an overhaul of planning regulations, including scrapping rules that allow developers to turn offices into flats without special permission.