Retailers’ association welcomes £5 billion Pride in Place programme

Bira (British Independent Retailers Association) has welcomed the Government’s announcement of a new programme that will offer the kind of support high street businesses need to thrive.

The organisation’s CEO, Andrew Goodacre, said the multi-billion Pride in Place initiative would inject much-needed funds into the heart of communities. 

“Our hardworking members want to be proud of their shops, and want to be proud of their high streets. We have been asking for more investment in local places based on the needs of local businesses and the wider community,” he added.

“Based on this proposal, it looks like we have been heard, and high street businesses will receive the kind of support they need. It would be ideal if we could combine this news with lower business rates that would allow businesses to also invest in their local area.”

Under the plans 169 areas will be given £2 million every year for a decade, with a further 95 areas gaining an immediate £1.5 million to upgrade public spaces. 

The Government says communities will be “given the power to revitalise their neglected high streets, create new spaces for young people, and take back control of derelict pubs”.

“For far too long, communities have been dictated to rather than be in control of their own destiny. This week marks a new way of governing. By choosing renewal over decline, this Government is delivering lasting change working people will feel,” a spokesperson said.

Steve Reed, secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, added, “When people step out of their front doors, they know their communities are struggling. They see shuttered pubs, fading high streets and their local areas in decline. 

“Yes, communities have been stretched – but they haven’t given up. They’re working hard to make things better, and we’re backing them. 

“The Government is putting power into their hands so local people decide how best to restore pride in their neighbourhoods, not us in Westminster. That’s what real patriotism looks like: building up our communities and choosing renewal over division.”

Key initiatives as part of the plans include:

- Community Right to Buy: Handing local people the power to buy local assets, helping to turn around derelict pubs, create new parks, and regenerate spaces.

- Compulsory purchase powers: Allowing communities in England to buy boarded up shops and abandoned businesses, allowing new start-ups to thrive.

- Power to block unwanted shops: Empowering councils to say no to stores such as new betting or vape shops.

Giving power to residents: Local organisations and community groups will be included in decisions on how the money should be spent.

Pride in Place funding will be delivered in England, Scotland and Wales, with corresponding funding provided to Northern Ireland. 

Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, said, “For too long, people have watched their towns and streets decline – powerless to stop boarded-up shops and neglected parks. That ends now. We’re investing in the UK’s future, by backing the true patriots that build our communiyies up in neighbourhoods across every corner of the country.”