High street
Lib Dems pledge to scrap business rates
The Lib Dems would deliver tax reforms to ‘revive struggling high streets,’ leader Sir Ed Davey has announced.
Ministers urged to 'change course' on high streets law
Councils have urged ministers to ‘change course’ as they push ahead with plans to make them produce improvement plans for some of their high streets.
Offices for good?
With office occupancy averaging around 30%, Martin Forbes of Local Partnerships reports on a campaign with ACES to explore the implications for the local government office workplace and to consider wider concerns.
The threat from bank and building society closures
More than half of all bank and building society branches have closed since 2015 – nearly 6,000 in total. This has significant implications both for financial inclusion and our high streets.
Is EV charging the new rural amenity?
EV charging is part of the solution to sustain thriving, dynamic rural communities, according to Zest.
Fund to go to town centre 'champions'
New guidance for the government’s £1.1bn ‘long term plan for towns’ has confirmed the boards in charge of spending the cash should be led by a local independent chair who will act as a ‘champion’ for the town.
Aiding Scotland’s journey towards sustainable transportation
Rory Alexander asks if the public sector can meet the demands of Scotland’s sustainable transportation strategy, and he looks at what the rest of the UK can learn.
Party conferences are a golden opportunity for districts
In party conference season the hope is that collectively councillors can influence their party’s leadership, relevant think-tanks, MPs and prospective MPs, says chairman of the District Councils' Network Cllr Sam Chapman-Allen.
Throw a lifeline – business rates reform and high streets renewal
A fringe panel event in Liverpool next week will focus thinking on what system of business taxation for local government a Labour Government could put in place, says Jonathan Werran.
Lords inflict defeats on levelling up Bill
The Government faces a race against time to get its flagship levelling up Bill into law after peers inflicted a string of defeats.
Wilkos: Dealing with the fallout of a retail collapse
The collapse of retailer Wilkinsons will leave a gap in high streets across the country, but David Armiger explains what action Bassetlaw - home of the company's HQ - is taking
An app-based approach to exploring Wiltshire’s many assets
Terence Herbert explains how Wiltshire Council is using history and heritage to encourage people to experience the county’s town and city centres.
Right idea, wrong tools
Holly Lewis explains why she believes expanding Permitted Development Rights in town centres is a fool’s game.
Waltham Forest’s competitive edge
Martin Esom, who retires from Waltham Forest LBC this week, explains why the borough has been able to deliver for residents – even as competition for resources gets tougher.
Modernise or die: the challenge facing Britain’s markets
With latest outdoor and indoor market figures showing only 40% are making a profit, markets must change to meet modern needs, say Hayden Ferriby and Raymond Linch.
Ticket offices hit the buffers
With a minimal 21-day consultation, 1,000 railway ticket offices around the country will be closed, removing more of the face-to-face services people truly value, writes Baroness Taylor of Stevenage.
Breathing life back into our high streets
High streets and town centres can’t be regenerated by businesses alone, says Sophie Alexander-Parker. Community inclusion is key to making places work
Labour pledges to revitalise high streets
Labour will today promote its plan to revitalise ailing high streets through a £700m fund to help small businesses with soaring energy bills.
Time’s up for clock repair
Even a stopped clock is right twice a day.
Investing in thriving towns
Shelagh O’Neill sets out how partnership, a strong sense of place, flexibility and visibility are helping Calderdale achieve its regeneration ambitions.
