AQW 17594/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 05/11/2024
Answered On Date: 11/11/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy, pursuant to the High Street and Town Centre Rejuvenation motion which was agreed, as amended, on 4th November 2024, what consideration he has given to bringing forward a comprehensive strategy for the rejuvenation of our high streets.

Answer:

I am committed to cooperating with my Executive colleagues to tackle the issues facing high streets and town centres.

My department will also be working with councils through local economic partnerships to identify and address specific regional economic issues. This approach leverages the particular insights and expertise provided by our councils, who are best positioned to offer informed perspectives on regional challenges and potential solutions for local economic growth, including on our high streets.

Finally, I have identified High Street Task Force Recommendation 8: ‘Fair Work on Our High Streets’ as sitting within the direct remit of my department. Delivering on this recommendation aligns with my priority on Good Jobs, and my department is already actively working on initiatives that will support its implementation.