High street set for £100,000 windfall

OLDHAM will be handed a £100,000 cash injection to breathe new life into the recession-hit high street.

Ministers said the cash from the High Street Innovation Fund would be used to support new businesses in struggling high streets, tackling the growing crisis of empty shops.

But local councils and landlords will be expected to top-up the £100,000, to make a total of £300,000 to be spent in each area.

The innovation fund follows a report for David Cameron by Mary Portas — star of the TV’s “Mary Queen of Shops” — which raised the alarm over the future of town centres.

In May, the Government will announce 12 trial schemes allowing authorities to try out other solutionsm such as tax breaks and less red tape.

Councils are also being urged to use new powers to offer business rate discounts and allow firms to spread payments over three years.



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