The BRC has welcomed a government announcement of up to £5bn in funding to boost “overlooked communities”, while warning business rates remain the biggest threat to high streets.
Under the government’s Pride in Place programme, 339 communities will get funding to improve high streets, parks and other public spaces.
They will gain compulsory purchase powers to seize boarded-up shops and derelict pubs, to provide opportunities for new local startups.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government is also promising local authorities in England new powers to block “unwanted” shops, including bookmakers, vape shops and “fake barbers”.
Unveiled on Thursday, the programme is to deliver funding in England, Scotland and Wales, with corresponding funding provided to Northern Ireland.
“For too long, people have watched their towns and streets decline – powerless to stop boarded-up shops and neglected parks,” said PM Keir Starmer. “That ends now.
“We’re investing in the UK’s future, by backing the true patriots that build our communities up in neighbourhoods across every corner of the country. Because it’s people who bring pride, hope and life to our communities.
“This is a huge investment, but what matters most is who decides how it’s spent: the neighbours, volunteers and parents who know their communities best – the people with real skin in the game.
“We’re choosing renewal over decline, unity over division. This is our plan for change in action – giving power and pride back to the people who make Britain great.”
The £5bn funding combines a previously announced £1.5bn for 75 areas with an additional £3.5bn for another 169, each to receive up to £20m over 10 years. Another 95 areas are receiving a share of £150m to improve public spaces, parks and high streets.
The BRC said the best way to boost high streets would be by making shops exempt from a planned business tax hike for large properties from 2026. The trade body has repeatedly warned the government will fuel inflation and damage high streets if it goes ahead with the plan, which is intended to fund a business rates discount for smaller retail, hospitality and leisure businesses.
BRC director of business and regulation Tom Ironside said: “It is positive that the government is taking steps to support local communities to revitalise their high streets. As key partners, retailers stand ready to play their part. We will be looking closely at the detail of the announcement to ensure that these plans deliver.
“However, the biggest factor influencing our high streets is ensuring meaningful change of the business rates system. This means ensuring a significant permanent rates reduction for retail, hospitality and leisure, with no shop paying more as a result.”
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