Currently, property owners can make voluntary contributions towards a ratepayer business improvement district and some do. However, others choose not to make a contribution but still benefit from the success of a business improvement district.

Mary Portas, in her independent report into the future of high streets, recommended that the government should legislate to allow landlords to become high street investors by contributing to their business improvement district.

The report argued that landlords, as critical long-term stakeholders should be able to make contributions and have a voice.

The government recognises the views of the business improvement district community and Mary Portas, that property owner business improvement districts could strengthen the part that landlords play in the future of the high street and in promoting growth - and committed to look at formalising the role of owners in response to a Portas Review recommendation.

This consultation seeks views on a framework for allowing such schemes.