UK government unveils £50m package to support recovery of high streets

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
May 27, 2020

A new £50 million fund to help UK high streets prepare for the reopening of non-essential shops has been announced by the UK government.

The Reopening High Streets Safely Fund will be allocated to councils on a per capita basis to subsidise the introduction of a range of safety measures.

The move aims to help kick-start local economies, get people back to work and customers back to the shops.

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“As we begin to slowly return to normality, the re-opening of our high streets will be key to kick-starting our economic recovery. Levelling up the regions and supporting our high streets has always been central to the mission of this government,” said High Streets Minister Simon Clarke.

“That’s why we are providing an extra £50 million for councils to support a range of safety measures that will help get these businesses back on track and ensure that people can enjoy their time visiting their local high street safely again,” he added.

A range of practical safety measures will be rolled out across high streets including new signs, street markings and temporary barriers. Councils will also be able to use the money to develop local marketing campaigns to reassure the public that their high streets and other commercial areas are safe. 

The recovery fund builds on various government efforts to support the revival of the UK high street, including the £675 million Future High Streets Fund.