Recommendation 159

The new Government intends to reflect on the taskforce models of the previous Government as it finalises its approach to support local authorities. 317 When reflecting on his time as chair of the HSTF, Mr Robinson emphasised to us that the Government should not miss the opportunity post-election to establish a better approach. 318 Witnesses argued that town centre management and economic development teams within local authorities could play an important role in placemaking. 319 Local authority staff could be provided with training to gain the necessary skills and expertise to deliver effective placemaking initiatives and strategies. Mr Malley told us there was a need to “bring the expertise back into the local authority, rather than have it outsourced.” 320 We heard that future support for local authorities should prioritise “tailored assistance, knowledge sharing, capacity building and long-term strategic planning” 321 as well as “more practical support (for example on planning, convening stakeholders, engaging with the community)”. 322