AQW 17412/22-27 Written question to the Minister for Communities
To ask the Minister for Communities, pursuant to AQW 14473/22-27 in relation to correspondence from the First Minister and deputy First Minister on 10 October 2024, to detail any actions he has taken in relation to the recommendations of the High Street Taskforce and determining a way forward.
Asked by Kate Nicholl MLA on 25 October 2024
- Answered
- Written
- After due date
- Tabled
- 25 October 2024
- Answer due by
- 11 November 2024
- Answered
- 21 November 202427 days after tabling
- Department
- Department for Communities
- Priority question
- No
Answer
The High Street Taskforce Report contains 14 recommendations, with short, medium and longer-term time frames. Several of the recommendations have a pragmatic focus on existing delivery mechanisms, whilst others seek fundamental reform of key policies such as rating and planning or call for significant additional investment.
Of the 14 recommendations in the report, three could be identified where DfC would be seen as a significant lead organisation. These are Recommendations 2, 5 and 12. Both 5 and 12 require Executive endorsement and in the case of Recommendation 5, a significant Capital Budget to allow for implementation.
Recommendation 2
DfC undertook to carry out up to three Pilots of the “Living High Streets Craft Kit”. Due to limited resources only one pilot has been completed to date. This pilot was completed in Downpatrick between November 2022 to September 2023 and resulted in the launch of the Downpatrick Living High Streets Framework.
DfC is also working with the Greater Shankill Partnership, BUILD, other key statutory organisations and stakeholders in the Greater Shankill area to take forward a further pilot of the Craft Kit to demonstrate its use in a setting such as an arterial route into Belfast.
Recommendation 5
An Outline Business Case for a Shaping Sustainable Places (SSP) Programme is currently in development by DfC in partnership with DAERA and DfI. The vision is to implement a strategic and integrated approach to tackling the challenges facing our village, town and city centres. The proposals will be consulted upon in early 2025 and the overall Programme will require Executive approval.
Recommendation 12
SOLACE is currently engaged in work to set out the local government position on this matter and will report when this is complete.