UKHospitality is urging councils to ensure that hospitality is at the heart of their plans for the Future High Streets Fund.
The Government has so far received bids from 300 local authorities for a share of £675m fund which will be used to invest in local high streets.
Launched in December 2018 as part of the government’s Plan for the High Street, the fund is designed to help local leaders implement bold new visions to transform their town centres and make them fit for the future.
UKHospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said: “High streets are facing existential challenges. If the Government is serious about supporting them through revitalisation, then we need fairness and support.
“Hospitality is at the heart of the high street in every corner of the UK. A healthy, thriving sector is good for the high street, so councils need to put hospitality at the forefront of their plans. The Government also needs to make sure that councils have quick and unconditional access to the funds in the event of a successful bid. Otherwise regeneration efforts could stall.
“Booming hospitality businesses can spearhead regeneration so we are urging councils to bid for a share of the fund and ensure that hospitality is a big part of their plans.”
High streets minister Jake Berry MP, said the response from local councils showed the passion across the country to meet the challenges facing our high streets head-on.
“The government has the power to set the direction but those on the ground know best.
“I look forward to reviewing the innovative proposals from local leaders to transform our high streets and town centres and make them fit for the future,” he said.
