We need to restore the high street to tackle crime, loneliness, and unemployment
Writing for The Sun, James Brokenshire says he is 'committed to creating strong, well-integrated communities'
WE need to be imaginative in tackling the social and economic challenges our communities face.
As Communities Secretary, I am committed to creating strong, well-integrated communities and to bringing people together in common spaces to celebrate the great places we live and work.
High streets can and do play a big part in this vision. We want to see vibrant hubs where people live, shop, use services, and come together.
I recognise that these challenges are linked. Empty shops and decreasing footfall on the high street can contribute to social problems such as crime, unemployment and loneliness, while successful high streets can make communities stronger.
That is why this week I am launching the new Open Doors project to help regenerate the high street and support community groups.
The scheme will match landlords of vacant commercial units with community groups offering vital services to younger and older people. The aim is to reduce loneliness among our most vulnerable members of the community, whilst increasing footfall in town centres.
We know that there are already some really successful examples of landlords working with community groups to provide premises on a temporary basis, to the benefit of both parties.
However, we know that landlords may not be aware of the benefits of these arrangements, and community groups may not know who to approach or how to negotiate a temporary contract.
This Open Doors scheme will help to overcome these barriers and bring vital services, as well as footfall, to local high streets.
This announcement follows the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget which confirmed a new £1.5 billion plan to support and transform the high street.
In July this year, we asked Sir John Timpson, a businessman with more than three decades’ experience of what makes our high streets tick, to look at what’s needed to respond to issues currently affecting the high street.
He recommended we set up a national body to strengthen local leadership and establish a new fund to support the renewal and reshaping of town centres.
So, in this Budget provided a new £675 million Future High Street Fund to help local areas adapt to changes and to prepare long-term strategies.
The money will help improve transport links, redevelop empty shops, and restore historic properties, keeping our high streets fit for generations to come.
We’ve also established a new High Streets Taskforce to help local leaders prepare and implement new strategies for their town centres.
Small retail businesses will see their business rates bills cut by a third, saving them up to £900 million over two years.
These actions will help create a more level playing field for all retailers.
It’s against this optimistic backdrop that I will outline my vision for communities at next week’s Locality Convention.
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I have been clear about my department’s priorities – building the homes this country needs, supporting and strengthening communities, and boosting local growth.
Our resolve to deliver on these commitments has been bolstered by a bold budget.
Our communities and our high streets will not be left behind.