High Streets Task Force launched to support high streets

A High Streets Task Force will support high streets across England to get shops back in business safely from 15 June, as part of the government's Three-Stage plan to get the country working again.

This support is available to local councils and other organisations involved with high streets and includes free access to online training programmes, webinars, data and intelligence on topics, including recovery planning and coordination, public space and place marketing.

The Task Force has a 4-year programme to help the long-term transformation of town and city centres, and helping communities to reimagine and revitalise their high streets.

The launch follows the opening of the government’s £50 million Reopening High Streets Safely Fund to support local councils to safely reopen their high streets and other commercial areas. From 1 June 2020 to 31 March 2021, councils in England can be reimbursed additional expenditure they incur to prepare high streets for a safe post-COVID reopening.

The £50 million Fund is supported by the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund.

The Task Force has been conducting research and consultation with stakeholders to develop a Framework for Recovery. This is already being taken forward by some local councils and partnerships around the country and is available to download from the High Streets Task Force website.

Foe more guidance on getting businesses working again after the Coronavirus, check out our Business After-COVID Knowledge Hub.