Agenda item

Report from the Executive Director of Regeneration and Environment.

Recommendations:

That Cabinet:

1.    Note the establishment of the new Supporting Our High Streets Team.

2.    Approve the activities guiding the Supporting Our High Streets Team’s programme of work in principal towns across the Borough.

Consideration was given to the report which provided an update on the establishment of the new Supporting Our High Streets Team and sought approval for the activities guiding the Team’s programme of work in principal towns across the Borough. As part of the budget approved by Council on 4th March, 2026, a revenue investment entitled “Supporting our High Streets” was agreed. Building on the success of the existing Town Centre Co-ordinator role, this project sought to expand this approach, with a focus on business support, in Rotherham Town Centre and across the other principal towns in the Borough; Wath, Swinton, Dinnington and Maltby.

The main purpose of the roles was to engage with high street businesses in the Borough’s principal towns, and to provide a point of co-ordination for businesses in relation to the various activities in each locality: events, Streetscene, Street Safe and crime, business investment, local promotional opportunities and signposting to other business support services.

The posts would have a specific function of liaison with the local business community, providing a local presence, identifying issues of concern, and signposting to other Council services for assistance, where appropriate. They would provide visible and routine engagement in the identified areas and be a known face to businesses and local Ward Members, providing regular updates on activity and working to solve problems as they arise. Initial business advice would be provided along with help to co-ordinate local promotions. The Team would also lead on the delivery of the successful Shopfront Grants Project, which had received a further 12 months of funding through the Local Growth Fund for 2026/2027.

Various indicators would be used to measure the impact and success of the activities, and would include the number of businesses supported, the amount of vacant building floorspace brought back into use, and the take up of business support and grants by Rotherham businesses.

Appointments to the roles were anticipated in May 2026 with staff onboard, trained and operational by July 2026.

During the meeting, Councillor Wiliams noted that this was a scheme proposed by the Labour administration of which he was proud. He also noted that Opposition Groups had opposed the Scheme.

Resolved:

That Cabinet:

1.    Note the establishment of the new Supporting Our High Streets Team.

2.    Approve the activities guiding the Supporting Our High Streets Team’s programme of work in principal towns across the Borough.