William Eichler 02 September 2021

Welsh councils must provide ‘ambitious leadership’ to revive high street

Welsh councils must provide ‘ambitious leadership’ to revive high street  image

Local authorities in Wales have been urged to use their existing powers and resources to make town centres sustainable.

A new report from Wales’ Auditor General has found that one in seven shops on Welsh high streets are empty due to past policy choices, changing consumer expectations, technological advances, and COVID-19.

The Auditor General, Adrian Crompton, urged all levels of government to be ambitious in their efforts to revive the high street. However, he stressed that local authorities were key due to their wide range of statutory powers, which can determine the shape and environment of town centres from planning and transport to housing and tourism.

The report called on councils to use their existing powers and resources to focus on making town centres sustainable. It also urged them to work in collaboration with one another.

‘Rapid change is taking place in our town centres and the full impact of COVID-19 is yet to be felt,’ said Mr Crompton.

‘Priorities for action that appeared reasonable 18 months ago no longer reflect the changes that are taking place and the challenges that now need to be addressed.

‘National and local government need to deliver integrated solutions, make brave decisions and provide bold, ambitious leadership if we are to address the challenges facing our town centres.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Revenues and Benefits Administration Officer

West Northamptonshire Council
£26914 - £27781
The Revenues and Benefits Administration Officer at West Northamptonshire Council provides essential administrative support across the Revenues and Benefits team. The role involves managing emails, indexing documents, raising orders and supporting financi Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Strategic Commissioning Manager (Markets Team Manager)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Drive real change in your community - shape the future of careDrive real change in your community - shape the future of careAt the Royal Borough of Ke England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£34902.0000 - £50081.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption Mid EssexPermanent, Full Time£34,902 to £50,081 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Sheltered Housing Officer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£33291 - £34291 per annum
Support residents to live independently in safe, welcoming homes - making every day easier, safer and more connected.Support residents to live indepen England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £32,597 - £36,363
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner