Brandon Lewis launches High Street Renewal Award report

Speaking at the High Street 'World Cafe' of Ideas event, Lewis said the report shows that the towns had seen "immediate impact" in reviving their high streets and that the towns were "laying the foundations for sustainable prosperity over the long term".

The event, which was attended by representatives from Portas Pilots and Town Teams as well as retailers, market traders and council and business leaders, set out to discuss how community-led initiatives to support local business and attract shoppers could inject life into the high street.

Lewis said local authorities and businesses and "those who work on the ground" had to get involved as they were best placed to know what could make their high street thrive. He called on them to harness the package of measures the government has put in place.

High Streets Renewal funding is awarded in recognition of innovative ways towns have revitalised their high streets. Former Local Growth Minister Mark Prisk announced in May that Herne Hill in London, Altrincham in Greater Manchester and Ipswich were among the towns selected to receive funding.

"This Government has put in place a wide range of measures to help high streets thrive," Lewis said. "This includes tripling the total business rates discounts for small shops to £900 million, cutting their National Insurance and corporation tax, simplifying the planning system and scrapping unfair rules around parking charges."

"Today’s report shows that when local civic and business leaders take action they can change the fortunes of their high street. Town teams are fizzing with ideas on how to make high streets thrive from free parking and pop up shops, to street café grants and attractions that encourage foot fall," Lewis said.

"Britain’s shopping culture is changing rapidly - but with savvy investment and strong local leadership then our high streets will remain the backbones of our communities for decades to come. Flexibility, imagination and a willingness to adapt are all hallmarks of the British entrepreneurial spirit," he added.