6. Statement by the Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government: Supporting our Town Centres

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:01 pm on 28 January 2020.

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Photo of Hannah Blythyn Hannah Blythyn Labour 6:01, 28 January 2020

Thank you. I thank the Member for her contribution. First and foremost, I join you in congratulating Treorchy on its fantastic win and the recognition it well deserves. I wasn't aware of that point you made about 60 per cent of the independent shops being run by women, which is fantastic. Actually, when I think about the towns in my own community, that is very much the case as we move forward now. Clearly, we've got a lot to learn. We talk about the challenges, but I think sometimes we have to have a glass-half-full approach and actually see what we can learn from those towns that are doing well and are perhaps bucking the trend.

So, I think we have to learn more about what's happened in Treorchy and how they got there, and perhaps how they can share that best practice with other towns of a similar size and nature as well. But recognising it's about finding that unique selling point of a town and how you embrace that and use it, rather than trying and be like somewhere else or trying to compete with a neighbouring town, and to perhaps complement that.

You mentioned Llanelli, I think it was a while back, last year, when I managed to go and visit and see some of the work that's been done there to try and repurpose the town centre and perhaps restructure it and bring it together and consolidate it. I certainly saw the seeds of improvement being sown there. 

The town-centre loans are set to continue and there's an additional £10 million-worth of funding for that, because I know it has made a difference with local authorities being able to facilitate those loans and bring in private investment. So, that's really to the benefit of some of our communities.

The enforcement fund for derelict properties is actually £13.6 million. We've actually already worked with local authorities on this to look at how they can identify—. They've already identified three buildings. We all know those ones that everybody talks about and everybody moans about. It's making sure now that they've identified the right buildings—the ones that can send that message. You can get one or two and use that as leverage in the future.

In terms of the Minister for finance's role and business rates, this is a discussion that we regularly have, and I'm really pleased that the high street rate relief scheme has been extended recently. I've heard first hand that has made a difference to people. Clearly, as we move forward, there's work ongoing in terms of local taxation as a whole and how we think—. You're right: there's a whole holistic approach to making this work, and transport is key. Because there's no point in us redeveloping our town centres if we can't access them. So, I think, as we move forward, the public transport Bill and elements of that all have to work. I can assure you that this has cross-Government commitment and support for making this work, as we move forward.