A leading independent retailers association has called for local businesses to be given a say in how Pride in Place funding is spent, as the government announced an £800 million expansion of the community regeneration programme.
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) welcomed the funding for 40 new areas across England but said independent retailers must be part of the decision-making process if high street regeneration is to succeed.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "We welcome this expansion of the Pride in Place programme and the government's commitment to giving local people control over their neighbourhoods. The examples from Ramsgate, Elgin and other areas show what can be achieved when communities are empowered to make decisions about their future.
"However, we hope that local businesses will also have a voice in how this money is spent. Independent retailers are at the heart of their communities, and they understand better than anyone what their high streets need to thrive. Their expertise and insight should be part of the decision-making process."
Mr Goodacre added that physical improvements alone would not revive struggling high streets without addressing the underlying challenges facing businesses.
He said: "Breathing new life into high streets requires more than investment in buildings and public spaces. We need viable businesses that can afford to trade on those high streets. The harsh reality is that this substantial investment could be undermined by the burden of ever-increasing business rates forcing businesses to close, whilst preferential treatment is given to retail parks and large online giants.
"We urge the government to ensure that its community regeneration programmes are matched with fundamental business rates reform to create a level playing field for independent retailers. Without this, we risk having beautifully restored high streets with no businesses to occupy them."
Bira, which works with over 6,000 independent retailers across the UK, campaigns for business rates reform, action on retail crime and support for high street businesses.