AQW 8812/17-22

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 15/10/2020
Answered On Date: 09/11/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the High Streets Taskforce; and when the membership of that group will be confirmed.

Answer:

An inter-departmental group of officials is currently examining best practice in other jurisdictions, and engaging with stakeholders.

It is clear that our town and city centres face a range of economic and social challenges. Whilst the Covid-19 pandemic has undoubtedly exacerbated the situation, many of the challenges are long-standing; stemming from the financial crisis of 2009, prolonged underinvestment in infrastructure, and changing patterns of consumer behaviour.

This calls for a strategic, sustained response, with Departments and local government working in partnership to deliver a vision for sustainable town and city centres, as thriving sustainable hubs for the retail, services, hospitality and residential sectors.

Our aim is to bring a proposal to the Executive for discussion in the near future.