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

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:21 pm on 28 January 2020.

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Photo of John Griffiths John Griffiths Labour 6:21, 28 January 2020

Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. 

Minister, one aspect of our town centres that I think many people find very attractive is that distinctive offer that isn't just a replica of what you see in so many other town centres across the UK. So, rather than the big operators, the shops and stores that you see everywhere and distinctive local businesses, I think, are a great asset. I know that, in many areas, there's a wealth, actually, of local people, individuals and small businesses, who are involved in arts and crafts, in music and in providing local food produce. I think what would be really valuable would be to have mapping exercises where those individuals and small businesses are identified, brought together, and sometimes, premises identified, because, although individually, they might not be able to afford rents and premises, if they come together as a collective, or as a group, then that becomes feasible and possible. 

But it does take somebody, Minister, to take the initiative to do that, and it may happen in some parts of Wales but not in others. So, in terms of Welsh Government showing a lead and taking a strategic approach, I wonder if there's anything in particular that Welsh Government might consider to ensure that sort of activity is structured and taken forward right across Wales.

And, one other thing, Minister: I know that in Caldicot, for example, in my patch in Newport East, one of the difficulties in taking forward policy around the town centre is identifying the private ownership of the shops, and then, engaging the owners. Very often, there's a lot of difficulty around that, and I wonder again whether there's anything that Welsh Government could do to provide the necessary support and help to deal with those issues.