High streets are at the heart of communities across Aldridge-Brownhills, but we know that they are changing as more people head online or to out-of-town shopping centres. By helping high streets to adapt, we can ensure that they can flourish for generations to come.
On Saturday 16 March, the Government are urging people across the country to come together to celebrate our high streets and their place at the heart of our communities. As part of the initiative we will ensure local businesses are aware of the support they can access to make their businesses fit for the future, while thanking them for helping our communities thrive.
Recent Government reforms means that businesses pay less in rates so they can create more jobs, councils have the opportunity to bid to the new £675 million High Streets Fund to modernise their high streets and planning rules are more relaxed to help derelict shops be turned into homes.
Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy and by shopping local we can support our town and village centres and the businesses we have here, right on our doorstep.
As someone who set up a small business, I have always been proud as your Member of Parliament to champion our High Streets and Village Centres as well as ensuring they receive the support, they need from the Government to be able to get on with the day job.