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Members have been appointed to the Welsh Government's
Town Centre Taskforce, bringing expertise from business,
planning, housing and local government.
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Alongside co-Chairs Professor CBE and Tamsin Ramasut,
members will consider the challenges and opportunities facing
town centres across Wales and help develop practical,
evidence-informed recommendations for Welsh
Ministers.
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This work builds on recent support for high streets,
including a 30% business rates cut for eligible hospitality and
leisure venues from 1 April 2027, with the Taskforce's
recommendations expected early next year.
The full membership of the Welsh Government's Town Centre
Taskforce has been announced today, as members come together for
its inaugural meeting as the next phase of work
begins.
The Town Centre Taskforce was established to provide practical,
expert advice on the future of Wales's town centres. Its
co-Chairs, Professor CBE and Tamsin Ramasut, were
announced on 11 August.
The Taskforce brings together expertise from business, academia,
local government, regeneration, planning, transport, housing and
communities. Working with the co-Chairs, the members will
consider the challenges and opportunities facing town centres
across Wales and help develop practical, evidence-informed
recommendations for Welsh Ministers.
The full membership can be viewed at www.gov.wales/town-centre-taskforce
Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning, Siân
Gwenllian, said: "Our town centres are changing. They're no
longer just places to shop, but places where people live, work,
access services and take part in community life. This Taskforce
will look at how they can continue to evolve as diverse,
mixed-use places that support businesses and communities.
"This work builds on action already under way, including
permanent business rates support which, subject to Senedd
approval, will give eligible hospitality and leisure businesses a
30% reduction in their rates bills from April 2027.
"I'm grateful to everyone giving their time and expertise. This
Taskforce must be ambitious but practical, delivering real
recommendations rather than restating the challenges so we can
build vibrant, resilient town centres across Wales."
Over the coming months, the Taskforce will carry out a focused
programme of work to help inform recommendations that will be
made to Welsh Ministers in the new year.
ENDS
Notes to editors
New taskforce will
champion the future of Welsh town centres' |
GOV.WALES
30% business rates cut for
high street hospitality and leisure venues | GOV.WALES
