AQW 48572/22-27
Ms Connie Egan
Alliance Party
North Down
Tabled Date: 12/06/2026
Answered On Date: 19/06/2026
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy for an update on her Department's work following any recommendations relevant to her Department from the High Street Task Force’s report, Delivering a 21st Century High Street.
Answer:
The High Street Task Force was established and led by the Executive Office, and it has now completed its work and discharged its terms of reference. Responsibility for taking forward the recommendations now rests with relevant departments across the Executive and other public authorities. My Department has responsibility for one recommendation only: “Fair Work on Our High Streets.” Delivery of this includes progressing a new Employment Rights Bill, promoting the Real Living Wage, and developing a Good Employment Charter in partnership with the Labour Relations Agency. More broadly, the Department continues to work with Executive colleagues, councils and businesses to support high streets as part of wider economic development. I have established 11 Local Economic Partnerships across the north, supported by a £45 million Regional Balance Fund, empowering councils to identify and address specific economic challenges in their areas, including those challenges faces town centres and high streets. My Department also provides innovation, export, finance and growth support to businesses through Invest NI and InterTradeIreland, and a £40 million Energy Efficiency Capital Grant scheme helping businesses reduce operating costs. I am also committed to working with my Executive colleagues, and other stakeholders, to support their work in this area where appropriate.
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