‘Town centre needs protecting’

 

The Welsh Assembly Government’s enterprise committee says that many of the country’s high streets are flagging and need strong leadership from the Welsh government and a revised planning policy.

 

The damning report also says a clearer national strategy is needed to regenerate towns like Welshpool in order to meet challenges including competition from out-of-town developments, rising business rates and parking charges.

 

The report from the assembly's cross-party enterprise and business committee wants co-ordination of policy, planning as well as financial considerations to promote town centres.

 

The 21 recommendations include:

 

·         Protection from out-of-town developments

·         Assistance for new businesses to set up

·         The Welsh government's independent panel on business rates should consider changes in legislation and in the application of discretionary powers.

 

The Federation of Small Businesses, which has 10,000 members in Wales, gave evidence to the inquiry.

 

Welsh policy unit chair Janet Jones said: “The report offers a welcome, well-evidenced insight into the challenges facing high streets across Wales. Whilst it is positive to see such consensus from a range of perspectives, we now want concerted action from the Welsh Government.

 

“These recommendations must be acted upon to secure positive trading conditions for retailers in town centres across Wales.”

 

A Welsh government spokesperson told the BBC that it saw town centres as the heart of sustainable local communities - providing places to shop, do business and socialise.

 

“Our commitment to regenerating town centres is reflected in a range of programmes from the historic and built environment, housing, business support, transport and tourism," said the spokesperson. “Although there are similar issues affecting all towns, we believe that each town has unique issues that require individual solutions, delivered by local people who know and understand their communities.

 

“We have supported town centre regeneration schemes across Wales. We will consider the findings of the report and respond in due course.”