The government has launched a major initiative to breathe new life into struggling high streets and community spaces, handing local people unprecedented powers to shape the future of their neighbourhoods.
Prime minister Keir Starmer today (25 September) unveiled the Pride in Place programme, described as a record investment in community renewal that will support more than 330 towns and cities across the UK.
The wide-ranging package of measures is aimed at reversing years of decline in local centres, giving residents and councils the tools to take back control of boarded-up shops, derelict pubs and abandoned businesses.
Among the headline reforms are:
- Community Right to Buy – enabling residents to purchase and revive treasured local assets such as pubs, libraries and parks.
- Stronger compulsory purchase powers – allowing communities to acquire long-neglected shops and business sites, with potential for redevelopment into housing, health centres or new retail opportunities.
- New planning powers – giving councils the ability to block unwanted retail uses, including betting shops, vape stores and so-called “fake barbers,” in areas where such outlets are already concentrated.
- Community-led spending – funding will only be approved where local groups, clubs and organisations have been actively involved in decision-making.
Communities Secretary Steve Reed said the reforms would put local people in the driving seat after years of decline.
“When people step out of their front doors, they see shuttered pubs and fading high streets,” he said. “Yes, communities have been stretched – but they haven’t given up. The government is putting power into their hands so local people decide how best to restore pride in their neighbourhoods, not us in Westminster.”
The proposals could reshape high street dynamics by curbing the unchecked spread of certain formats while opening doors for independent businesses and community-backed ventures. The emphasis on local engagement also raises the prospect of new mixed-use developments on underutilised sites such as empty department stores and office blocks.
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) said the investment in local communities would help its members take pride in their shops and high streets, following years of calling for more targeted investment based on local needs
"Bira very much welcomes this announcement," said Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira. "Our hardworking members want to be proud of their shops and want to be proud of their high streets. We have been asking for more investment in local places based on the needs of local businesses and the wider community.
"Based on this proposal, it looks like we have been heard and high street businesses will receive the kind of support they need. It would be ideal if we could combine this news with lower business rates that would allow businesses to also invest in their local areas."
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The Pride in Place programme will roll out in England, Scotland and Wales, with corresponding funding for Northern Ireland. The government has pledged to work with devolved administrations to design tailored schemes.