Government sets up cross-government taskforce on community renewal

The taskforce is one of three announced by the Government this week, with the others covering the cost of living and public control of housing, water, energy and transport.

The taskforces will be based in the new Office for the Prime Minister & Cabinet and led by First Secretary of State, Louise Haigh.

The Government said Haigh would work across central and local government - including with regional mayors.

It added: “Immediate action will focus on challenging everyday rip-offs, the visible decline of local town centres and the failure of many privatised utilities to deliver basic services at a fair price.”

On the community renewal taskforce, the Government noted: “Our communities have been left behind, high streets falling into disrepair, rubbish piling up at the sides of our streets - we will reverse that, improving people’s everyday experience of where they live. 

“Working with local leaders, we will create a genuine plan to rebuild Britain, not just replicating high street strategies that have gone before, ensuring communities are supported to drive through solutions, and deliver growth in every postcode.”

First Secretary of State Louise Haigh said: “The Prime Minister has been clear that the government’s priorities are the public’s priorities. This is about putting people back in control of the things that matter most to them and ensuring that the everyday essentials are more affordable and more accountable.”

Lottie Winson