Revitalising High Streets

In this inquiry, the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee is looking at the action needed to revitalise England’s high streets. Our inquiry will examine the proliferation of “unwanted” retail and services – such as new betting shops, vape shops and fake barbers – and the impact they have on high streets and community pride. We will be looking at different approaches to high street regeneration, such as design codes, street furniture, and pedestrianisation, and explore the effectiveness of local council powers, such as High Street Rental Auctions, Compulsory Purchase Orders and the Community Right to Buy. The inquiry will scrutinise the government’s measures to support the high street. In particular, we will assess the impact of changes to business rates on high street businesses, and the government’s Pride in Place Programme , which it says will provide up to £20m to hundreds of areas over the next decade.