Yesterday the Government announced a comprehensive package of measures that will support the safe and successful reopening of our high streets & seaside resorts - giving local economies a vital kickstart ahead of a great summer.
As restrictions ease and life begins to return to normal over the coming months, the Government want to support our treasured high streets and seaside resorts, so they are ready to welcome customers and tourists ahead of a great summer.
That is why the Government are introducing a suite of measures, which builds on the support already delivered to help the retail & hospitality sector, including:
- A new £56 million Welcome Back Fund will give councils the funding they need to boost tourism, improve green spaces and provide more outdoor seating areas, markets and food stalls, with part of the funding specifically allocated for coastal areas across England. Locally, the regional allocation for the Welcome Back Fund is £6.1 million for the East of England.
- Providing an initial 70 councils with targeted, hands-on support from our High Streets Task Force, an elite team of high street experts who will advise them on how to adapt to changing consumer demands, so they can continue to thrive in the years ahead.
- Giving businesses such as pubs and restaurants the flexibility to set up marquees and extra outdoor seating - that can be kept up for the whole summer rather than the 28 days currently permitted - as well as introducing a series of fairer parking measures that will encourage people to return to high streets and town centres.
High streets are the beating heart of our communities, and as restrictions ease, the Government are determined to see them once again become thriving spaces as we deliver on our commitment to level up in building Britain back better.
For more information new raft of measures to prepare our high streets and seaside resorts for summer, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-raft-of-measures-to-prepare-our-high-streets-and-seaside-resorts-for-summer.
