The report provides background to a Local Government Association/District Council Network study tour, plus recent expert views on how to innovate and regenerate our Town Centres.

The report proposes that Cabinet are minded to support budget provision of £60k in the 2020/21 budget for Town Centre event in partnership with other organisations.

The Cabinet

            RESOLVED – That

(1)  The principle of supporting our three Towns in Arun to improve their shopping experiences be supported;

(2)  Officers be requested to investigate ways to develop Town Centre plans with Town Councils and other partners;

(3)  Officers be requested to consider a £60k budget within the 2020/21 Budget considerations; and

(4)  Officers be requested to investigate setting up a Business Rate Fund for new start-up business (in a defined Town Centre area) to help reduce business costs (possibly through the West Sussex Business Rate Pool).