The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has welcomed the government’s announcement of a £5 billion Pride in Place programme, saying it will provide the kind of support high street businesses need to thrive.

Bira says the investment in local communities will help its members take pride in their shops and high streets, following years of calling for more targeted investment based on local needs.

Commenting is the Association’s CEO, Andrew Goodacre. “Bira very much welcomes this announcement. 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.”

The programme will see 169 areas receive £2 million every year for a decade, with a further 95 areas receiving an immediate £1.5 million to upgrade public spaces. Communities will also gain new powers to seize boarded-up shops, block nuisance businesses, and buy local assets before they close.

Bira, which works with over 6,000 independent retailers across the UK, has long campaigned for greater investment in high streets and local communities. For further information, please click here.