High Streets Task Force

As part of the Government's programme to help communities and local government to transform their high streets, the first 70 local authorities to receive support from the High Streets Task Force have been announced.

The programme will see direct, tailored support from Task Force Experts who will consult with local authorities, business and the community to diagnose the issues blocking transformation and recommend ways to make changes on the high street.

Selecting locations for support
The first 70 local authorities*, have been selected to enable support to be delivered where it's needed most. Regional indicators of deprivation and inequality have been used, alongside research on the impact of COVID-19 on high street retail, to produce the list of areas that would most benefit from support for their local place making capacity.

Despite being the worst hit local government area in the West Midlands and the 4^th hardest local economy hit in the country, Stratford-upon-Avon has not received any funding.

Cllr Tony Jefferson, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council said: "There is no shying away from the fact that the pandemic has had a seismic impact on our economy, and our District has been hit harder than most areas. So, while it's really disappointing that we haven't received any funding or support to aid the recovery of our high street we have to recognise how much has changed in a short time.

"The reality is though that the Future High Streets Fund was announced in March 2019, at that stage Stratford-upon-Avon was still relatively prosperous.  The Towns Fund was launched in September 2019 and 101 towns were asked to submit. Stratford-upon-Avon was not asked. Furthermore MHCLG specified the town boundaries. This is why it is so important to get across the message that things really have changed for our District.

"On this occasion we were unable to influence any decision, as the allocation was built on metrics and historic data - not taking into account the current picture. But when future funding opportunities arise we will be firmly there, seeking to get the support we need.

"At the moment, we have, three exciting projects underway - the Riverside Corridor Project, the Gateway Project and the Canal Quarter Regeneration scheme - which are all designed to help the economic regeneration of our District, create jobs and help the high street recover. Successful change is shaped by local communities which allow businesses to adapt to changing consumer habits."

*The list of the successful local authorities

The Task Force has been helping local authorities over the past 12 months in pilot locations across England, including cities like Preston and Coventry, metropolitan boroughs such as Salford and Croydon, and smaller town and district centres like Accrington, Hartlepool and West Bromwich.