Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what (a) advice and (b) assistance he has recently provided to local authorities to help them promote trade in town centres; and if he will make a statement.

The Government has provided a range of advice and assistance to help town centre partners, including local authorities, to promote trade and create vibrant town centres. These include guidance on discretionary rate relief, Business Improvement Districts, digital high streets and guides that showcase successful local initiatives. We also developed the ‘Kick Start Your High Street’ action pack which contains a range of practical guides and support for councils and local people.

In addition, since 2010, the Government has provided over £1.4 billion in business rates support, helped create over 360 town teams and given over £18 million to towns – boosting struggling town centres with the High Streets Innovation Fund and launching successful initiatives such as “Love your Local Market” and the “Great British High Street” Portal and Awards.

The Great British High Street Awards, now in its second year, is in full swing and is currently open for entries. Winners across the seven categories (London; City; Town centre; Market town; Coastal community; Local centre; Village) share a cash prize, but more importantly, receive mentoring and support such as free training to develop digital skills for local businesses.