Recommendation 87

High streets often face local issues and require local solutions; however, the Government still has a vital role in their success. The overall policy framework within which local authorities operate is largely set at a national level. This is particularly true for planning policy where the National Planning Policy Framework and associated Planning Policy Guidance sets out the Government’s economic, environmental and social planning policies for England and forms the basis of more detailed plans and decisions taken by local authorities. 166 Beyond policy decisions, the Government provides substantial capital and resource funding to local authorities for the purposes of high street and town centre renewal. Chapters 4 and 5 discuss in greater detail the role of the Government and the impact its policy and funding decisions can have on high streets.