Civic Voice urges Civic Societies to engage with MPs on regeneration debate

On the day the Government champions investment and growth, Civic Voice is reminding policymakers that growth isn’t just about GDP numbers—it’s about what people see in their everyday lives.

If local high streets are rundown and neglected, if our libraries are sold off and our heritage is crumbling, the idea of growth doesn’t resonate with communities. Real growth can be seen in thriving local economies, bustling high streets, community owned properties and vibrant town centres where people want to live, work, and shop.

Civic Voice is urging civic societies and community groups to share this message by contacting their MPs ahead of a crucial Westminster Hall debate on high streets and town centres, scheduled for 16th October 2024. Catherine Atkinson MP, Derby North will lead the debate, and Civic Voice has submitted a briefing to Catherine and her team to ensure that the voices of civic groups are heard and the importance of our local high streets. Civic Voice believes that if growth is the defining mission of this government, then ensuring thriving local high streets and town centres must be central to achieving that vision. As part of its efforts,  

Civic Societies provide deep local knowledge, build partnerships, and advocate for community-led improvements that are crucial to ensuring these areas remain vibrant, attractive, and economically viable. Civic Voice’s briefing, submitted to Parliament ahead of the debate, outlines key recommendations to strengthen the involvement of civic and community groups in the government’s growth strategy for high streets. Examples of civic societies already making a difference include:

- Kendal Civic Society, which has partnered with the local authority and Kendal Futures to reduce vacancy rates and increase community events.
- Pontefract Civic Society, which organised the successful "WheelFest" event to boost footfall and support local businesses.
- The Milton Society, is advocating against unchecked permitted development rights to protect local character.

Ian Harvey, Executive Director of Civic Voice, said, "If the government is serious about its growth agenda, supporting thriving high streets and town centres must be central to that. Civic and community groups are already leading the way in regenerating these spaces, but they need continued support and collaboration with local authorities to maximise their impact."

Call to Action: Urge MPs to Attend the Debate

Civic Voice is encouraging civic societies and community groups across the country to write to their MPs and urge them to attend the debate on Wednesday. By participating, MPs can hear directly about the challenges and successes that local communities face in regenerating their high streets and town centres and ensure that their voices are part of shaping the government’s growth strategy.

Key Issues Highlighted in the Civic Voice Briefing:

  • The need for tailored visions for every high street, addressing local challenges and capitalising on opportunities.
  • Strengthening partnerships between local authorities, businesses, and civic societies to ensure effective regeneration.
  • Building capacity for civic and community groups through dedicated funding and support, particularly in areas facing economic challenges.

The government’s growth agenda cannot be fully realised without thriving high streets and town centres. Civic Voice calls on MPs to support community-led regeneration by attending the debate and ensuring that civic societies are central to shaping future policy.

For more information, or to receive a copy of the briefing, please contact Civic Voice at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).