Local councils to bid for share of £675m funding boost to Britain’s high streets

Local councils are being urged to bid for a share of a £675m fund in a bid to give Britain’s hard-pressed high streets a shot in the arm.

The so-called Future High Streets fund, announced in Philip Hammond’s October budget, opened on Boxing Day, and is aimed at helping councils improve transport and access to town centres and convert retail units into new homes.

It follows calls from retailer John Timpson, who said councils should be given more money to turn town centres into community spaces, not just shopping destinations.

Timpson, whose shoe repair brand is a familiar face on Britain’s high streets, said: “The best way to get things done is to give people on the front line the freedom to get on with the job in the way they know best.”

“I am pleased that the government has acted on my panel’s recommendations to set up a Future High Streets Fund to help local leaders turn their plans into reality.

“By helping our towns create their own individual community hub, I believe we will have vibrant town centres to provide a much-needed place for face to face contact in the digital age.”

A spokesperson for the British Retail Consortium (BRC) said: “It is essential that these funds are deployed effectively to support the successful transformation of high streets and town centres to ensure that they remain relevant and commercially vibrant in the future."

The trade body added the fund was a “great starting point”.

High street shops remained on the back foot in November as sales continue to shift towards online retailers. Online sales made up more than 20 per cent of all retailing in November for the first time, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

This was despite sales over the month increasing by 1.4 per cent compared to the same period last year, far higher than the 0.3 per cent forecast in a Reuters poll of economists.

High streets minister Jake Berry said: “We all know high streets are changing, we can’t hide from this reality. But we’re determined to ensure they continue sit at the heart of our communities for generations to come.

“To do this we have to support investment in infrastructure, boosting local economies and ensuring people are able to get the most out of their local high streets. Empowering leaders on the ground is key too – they best understand the challenges facing their areas.

Up to £55m of the fund has also been allocated to support the regeneration of ‘heritage high streets’. Bids will help to restore historic high street properties for new work spaces or cultural venues.