MPs battle to save the nation’s high streets
This article builds on my theme last week showcasing thinking by two of the major political parties about the scope to intervene to address the challenges facing High Streets across England. It reports.
“Under the Labour proposals, which are backed by the Association of Convenience Stores, councils will be required to put in place a retail-diversity scheme based on the wishes of the local community. Similar proposals by the Liberal Democrats will also seek to tilt the balance of power back towards local authorities, which are often unable to oppose the arrival of a large supermarket. In May, the Government announced it was setting up an independent inquiry on the issue under Mary Portas, a retail consultant who presents Mary Queen of Shops on BBC2. It is not expected to report back until November. Labour said it hoped to put the safeguarding of traditional shopping areas on a statutory basis before then. Jack Dromey, shadow minister for Communities and Local Government, said local councils should have a duty to help popular small shops survive.”
A worthy start but one which shoots wide of the mark. Those interested in this issue need to appreciate that retail decline is a symptom of a broader malaise in the character and function of those places affected, reflecting changing employment and consumption patterns amongst the public. Not something which can be resolved by seeking to pickle “popular” independent stores in aspic or take yet another series of side swipes at the demonised supermarkets. The solution to this problem does not consist in trying to skew the functioning of the market. Rather we need a far more forward looking debate about global trends, new technology and a post, post modern, role for the towns of rural England, which enables them to establish a new niche as places where people want to live, work and shop.
My view is that this is far from a hopeless task, the re-invention of small service centres could be easier now with the opportunities around living, working and that crucial ingredient – having fun – outside of the big city. This is all possible through the application of global media which offers the potential in many places for people to make their market towns the best of a global and a local network. Now what is the best way to find expression for this on the High Streets?