Recommendation 83

Reflecting on the Heritage Action Zone programme, Historic England noted its success in working with local trusts who were better able to understand local needs and had fewer restrictions to how they work, compared with local authorities. 160 Mark Robinson, Chair of the High Streets Task Force (HSTF), noted that anyone who was a local leader, including people representing businesses and community groups, should be empowered and that successful place-based partnerships were often established by local leaders. 161 Mr Wheelhouse also told us: “It is not always necessary for the public sector to take the lead.” 162