A new community renewal taskforce is being launched by the Prime Minister, targeting the decline of local high streets and pledging to rebuild communities ‘left behind’ by disrepair and neglect.
Working with local leaders, the Government says it will develop genuine local solutions rather than repeating past high street strategies, aiming to drive growth in every postcode.
The taskforce is one of three new cross-government units, alongside groups focused on the cost of living and public control of essential services such as housing, water, energy and transport.
First Secretary of State Louise Haigh will lead the work across central and local government, including working with regional mayors.
Commenting on the announcement, Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, chair of the Local Government Association, said: ‘Councils know their communities best, so it is crucial that their local knowledge and democratic accountability should be kept at the front of these taskforces’ focus.
‘We will work with Government as part of the taskforces to ensure local council leaders are part of the solutions, and we can successfully translate this into lasting change for local communities.’
