Natural Resources

Stop Tesco's plans for power
11 January 2010

The supermarket giant has created 'Tescotowns' from Southall to Swansea. Now it wants even more.

> Take Action to halt their expansion

Growth at what price?

The relentless growth of Tesco has crushed small businesses and local shops. And it has turned many of our communities into Tescotowns.

In response, the Competition Commission has recommended a new competition test for town planning.

This would stop supermarkets opening new stores in places where they already control the majority of the local market.

Bully boy tactics

But the new test is in danger because of the fierce lobbying of Tesco.

They want to scrap the test and risk the future of vibrant, environmentally-friendly communities and town centres.

What can I do?

Demand the Government stands up to Tesco.

Email the Minister for Planning

Dear Minister,

I am concerned by the unchecked growth of the supermarkets and the devastating impact it has on local shops, town centres and consumer choice. The Competition Commission concluded that the dominance of any one retailer in a local area has a negative impact on consumer choice. It recommended a competition test to stop supermarkets opening a new store in places where they already control the local market. Tougher measures are also needed to ensure genuine consumer choice. I am disappointed that the Government is now delaying implementation of the competition test. Tesco - which is already dominating 'Tescotowns' from Southall to Swansea - has aggressive expansion plans for the next two years. As the Minister responsible for planning policy you must introduce the competition test. Otherwise Tesco's takeover of our communities, towns and cities will continue. Please ensure that: * The threshold of the test be set much lower than the proposed 60% * The test includes all formats of any one retailer - from convenience size to superstore * The Government introduces positive policies to encourage small businesses and flourishing local economies, such as a diversity test

You can contact me by email (preferably - to save resources) or at the following address:

Required data

Title

Please choose a title

First name

Surname

Postcode

Find Address

House Name / No.

Street

Town / City

Country

Please enter your country

Please tick this box if you would like Friends of the Earth to use the contact details you have supplied, including your email address, to keep you up-to-date on our work and what you are helping us to achieve.

Friends of the Earth is a collective name for Friends of the Earth Trust, registered charity 281681, company number 1533942, and Friends of the Earth Limited, company number 1012357, both of which may use the above information. In both cases the registered office is at 26-28 Underwood Street, London, N1 7JQ.

Natural Resources

Stop Tesco's plans for power11 January 2010

Growth at what price?

Bully boy tactics

What can I do?

Email the Minister for Planning

News

Get involved

Related links

Stop Tesco's plans for power
11 January 2010