The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has welcomed expansion of the Government’s Pride in Place initiative which will see an additional £800 million allocated to 40 new areas across England. But it insists indie  retailers must be part of the decision-making process if high street regeneration is to succeed.

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: “We welcome this expansion of the Pride in Place programme and the government’s commitment to giving local people control over their neighbourhoods. The examples from Ramsgate, Elgin and other areas show what can be achieved when communities are empowered to make decisions about their future.

“However, we hope that local businesses will also have a voice in how this money is spent. Independent retailers are at the heart of their communities, and they understand better than anyone what their high streets need to thrive. Their expertise and insight should be part of the decision-making process.”

“Independent retailers are at the heart of their communities, and they understand better than anyone what their high streets need to thrive”

Goodacre added that physical improvements alone would not revive struggling high streets without addressing the underlying challenges facing businesses.

He said: “Breathing new life into high streets requires more than investment in buildings and public spaces. We need viable businesses that can afford to trade on those high streets. The harsh reality is that this substantial investment could be undermined by the burden of ever-increasing business rates forcing businesses to close, whilst preferential treatment is given to retail parks and large online giants.

“We urge the government to ensure that its community regeneration programmes are matched with fundamental business rates reform to create a level playing field for independent retailers. Without this, we risk having beautifully restored high streets with no businesses to occupy them.”