£10m Government Fund Boosts Black Country High Streets

Black Country Chamber of Commerce chief executive Sarah Moorhouse has welcomed a £10 million Government fund aimed at revitalising the region’s high streets, while calling on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to continue supporting local businesses.

The High Streets and Growth Incubator Fund, announced by West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker, is intended to stimulate town centre regeneration. The announcement coincides with Government plans to tighten regulations on vape and betting shops, requiring new vape outlets to secure planning permission and granting councils greater authority to prevent new betting establishments.

Ms Moorhouse praised Mr Burnham for fulfilling his commitment to increase funding for regional mayors and emphasised the need for ongoing support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Black Country.

During his UK tour while Parliament is in recess, Mr Burnham has introduced various cost of living and financial initiatives. Following the funding announcement, Ms Moorhouse, who recently addressed an open letter to the Prime Minister, stated: “My message to him is that we’re investing, we’re growing and we want the government alongside us in that.”

She added, “If our businesses here in the Black Country are backed, they will deliver on the Prime Minister’s ambitions to have thriving local economies across the UK. If there is investment in the economy across the region, in both businesses and jobs, then thriving high streets will follow.”

Ms Moorhouse described the £10 million fund and the Prime Minister’s visit as positive developments that demonstrate the Government’s attentiveness to local business needs. However, she stressed the importance of converting this initial investment into sustained economic support for the Black Country.

Highlighting the strength of the region’s high streets, she said, “What would help is for the Government to work with us in building on that through consistent investment.” She also noted recent supportive measures such as bus fare caps, VAT reductions on electricity, and business rate relief for the hospitality sector, praising the Prime Minister’s swift action in his early weeks in office.

The funding announcement arrives amid several local initiatives to enhance the Black Country economy. This year will see extensions to the Metro and Dudley interchange, adding 14 stops between Dudley and Sandwell, including direct connections to the zoo, castle, and Black Country Living Museum.

Additionally, a £300,000 support package has been allocated to the town centre, complemented by £150,000 in grants for shops and businesses near the new interchange.

The West Midlands Combined Authority will collaborate with the West Midlands Growth Company and local councils across Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall, and Wolverhampton ahead of further funding announcements.

The Government’s new regulations on vape and betting shops aim to empower councils with greater control over the types of businesses permitted in town centres, supporting efforts to rejuvenate high streets across the UK.