The Future of High Streets

A Manifesto to Drive Essential Change in London

We are committed to collaborating with the policy makers to drive positive change and innovation in London. Together, we can build better, safer, and more thriving high streets and town centres.

Locally, regionally and nationally, our high streets and town centres, including Croydon, face many challenges. In representing our 500 business members, Croydon BID is calling on policy makers to introduce initiatives which can tackle these issues head-on and help our town centres adapt and grow.

London, a city renowned for its diversity and cultural richness, is home to over 8.9 million people across 32 distinct boroughs, each offering its own unique charm. With a staggering 300 languages spoken; it stands as the most diverse city globally. Contributing one fifth of the UK’s Gross Value Added (GVA), London boasts the highest per capita income in the nation, with its vibrant retail sector alone employing 439,000 individuals. Moreover, the city’s dynamic night-time economy, valued at £40 billion, sustains 723,000 jobs.

Croydon, like many of London’s 32 boroughs, faces significant challenges in the wake of the pandemic and the rising cost-of-living. The once vibrant high streets and town centres now require adaptation to meet the changing needs of consumers and economic realities while injecting a renewed focus on the core necessities that create a positive environment for all to enjoy.

To address these challenges, we present our manifesto, which outlines key initiatives to drive essential change:

PROTECT OUR HIGH STREETS WITH DEDICATED SAFER RETAIL POLICE TEAMS

Retail crime is escalating at an alarming rate and with no end in sight. We’re calling for the introduction of dedicated Safer Retail Police Teams across London to work alongside Neighbourhood police teams.

This initiative aims to combat escalating retail crime, ensuring safety for residents, workers, and visitors while supporting the existing police force.

BOOST HIGH STREET INVESTMENT TO DELIVER GROWTH AND REGENERATION

Our town centres require increased investment to adapt and regenerate. We propose an increase in the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy to 30% without an adopted plan and 50% with a plan, to support the revitalisation of London’s declining high streets.

This initiative aims to address the decline of London’s high streets and create vibrant community hubs that meet the evolving needs of visitors, residents, and businesses.

INCREASE ESSENTIAL SUPPORT FOR THOSE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS

The homelessness crisis in London demands urgent action. We’re advocating for the expansion of 12 new homelessness early assessment centres across the capital to provide vital support and assistance to those in need.

This initiative seeks to provide essential resources, accommodation, and care to individuals facing rough sleeping, particularly during severe weather conditions.

REVIEW AND REGULATE LONDON’S MOBILE FOOD DELIVERY SECTOR

With the exponential growth of food delivery services, regulation is essential to ensure order, efficiency, and growth. It is imperative that an independent review is commissioned to impose tighter regulations on this burgeoning sector.

Effective regulation will not only improve safety for residents, workers, and visitors, but also ensure a structured and efficient delivery system in our urban landscape.

DELIVER NIGHT-TIME STRATEGIES TO SUPPORT ECONOMIC GROWTH IN ALL LONDON BOROUGHS

London’s high streets need clear local night-time strategies with appropriate levels of funding to boost economic activity. Policy makers must recognise and acknowledge the impact the night time economy has on our gross domestic product locally, regionally and nationally if the sector is to recover.

By fostering a vibrant and thriving night-time economy across London, we can create more opportunities for businesses and communities alike.