Written question WQ83640

Putting town centres first is a key consideration in everything we do, and we provide support to revitalise our town centres to ensure that they are fit for the future. This includes implementing a range of measures that support local high street businesses overcome the challenges posed by changes in consumers shopping habits, which have been exacerbated by the pandemic.

Transforming Towns grant funding supports High Streets across Wales, including the Monmouthshire constituency. Over £2.5 million has been allocated to Monmouthshire County Council since 2018 to bring forward regeneration projects, which has included numerous projects in the town centres of Monmouth, Abergavenny, Chepstow and Usk.

A much greater degree of flexibility has been given to Local Authorities in adapting to the comprehensive changes required in town centres as a result of the pandemic, which has accelerated the growth in online shopping. The re-purposing of Transforming Towns funding in 2020-21 was designed to ensure that our town centres are safe environments where the public feels comfortable visiting, and that they continue to thrive economically. Transforming Towns Interventions introduced in Monmouthshire town centres include:

• Outdoor awnings, canopies, igloo bubbles, outdoor heating, marquee coverings

• Outdoor tables, chairs and seating provision.

• Outdoor screening, bollards, planters

• Outdoor servery facilities

• The establishment of parklets (small green infrastructure schemes often involving seating provision)

Transforming Towns Place Making Grant of £554,000 has been allocated to Monmouthshire County Council this year (2021-22) to be used in prioritised town centres across the county. This is a broad and flexible package of support aimed at revitalising town centres throughout Wales. Town centre projects can include green infrastructure; public realm enhancements; meanwhile uses; town centre markets; and digital solutions. All of these interventions help encourage people to visit the town centre and support local businesses.

The Welsh Government is also investing over £3m revenue funding across Wales to support town centre businesses in 2021/22, which includes a SMART Towns project and a Town Centre Business Fund. The funding is closely aligned with the Transforming Towns Place Making grant and other funding streams to create a cohesive package for town centres. South east region have been allocated £1.7m for activities including events and marketing to increase footfall, digital trading at a local approach level, planning activities, as well as upskilling businesses in this area.

During the last 18 months, businesses in Monmouthshire have received over £51.6m in emergency support from the Welsh Government, safeguarding hundreds of jobs and with the ambition of enabling them to continue to trade and prosper as restrictions ease. Looking to the future, the Welsh Government is working urgently to explore funding options to help businesses develop and grow beyond the pandemic. Further details will be announced and updated on the Business Wales website when available and the Minister for Economy will update MSs on progress.

We are also continuing to support businesses through, amongst other things, our Economic Futures Fund, the Foundational Economy fund, our SMART Innovation programmes and the Development Bank of Wales, all alongside the support and advice of Business Wales.