The Government’s policy announcements over recent months have had a detrimental effect on our high streets and neighbourhood communities. The massive rise in national insurance contributions, the increase in business rates for pubs and the changes to business property relief have had a heavy impact.
To rectify these poor financial decisions, the Government is looking to support high streets through their Plan for Neighbourhoods. Building on the work of the previous Government as it sought to level-up left behind communities, this additional funding is minimal compared to what came before, but I know will be welcomed by recipients.
I am, however, concerned that the Labour Government has stacked the proposed neighbourhood boards with unaccountable trade union representatives while ignoring locally elected councillors. Without this vital accountability and local insight, there is a very real possibility that funds will not reach the projects that need the most support.
