High street Minister Simon Clarke MP has today announced a £6.1 million government funding boost to help high streets and town centres through the coronavirus pandemic.
The money will go to Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) to help cover day-to-day costs and projects for local economies over the next three months.
The Minister said the funding was on top of the government’s existing package of support for business and workers during the economic emergency.
The money will be paid to local authorities and dispersed to BIDs, which are local partnerships bringing together developers and communities to provide local leadership, drive regeneration and deliver projects and additional local services.
Many BIDs are playing a crucial role during the crisis, the Minister said, offering hands-on support to those businesses affected, including advice services, increased security to protect businesses that have closed, and providing key intelligence to local and central government on the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on their local economies.
He said: “BIDs are uniquely placed and have a proven track record of success in supporting local businesses, empowering communities, championing our town centres and driving forward the renewal of our high streets.
“It’s only right that during these unprecedented times we give them all the necessary support they need to continue operating, so that they can carry on their vital work now and crucially when we move into the recovery phase from the current crisis.”
