To ask the Minister for the Economy to outline any discussions she has had with the Minister of Finance in relation to town centre regeneration.

In March 2022 The Executive Office published its Report with recommendations on the High Street Task Force. My Department is responsible for recommendation 8 of the Report: ‘Fair Work on Our High Streets’. This recommendation aligns with my economic priority on Good Jobs.

Work is ongoing within my Department to progress this recommendation and this includes the development of a new Employment Rights Bill, promotion of greater adoption of the Real Living Wage, and collaboration with the Labour Relations Agency to create a Good Employment Charter. This work will have a positive impact across town centres in the North.

My officials are also working with all eleven Councils to develop Local Economic Partnerships to address economic need on a sub-regional scale.

The Department of Finance provides support to businesses each year through a number of rate interventions. In response to feedback from business representatives and stakeholders, a strategic review of the Small Business Rate Relief and Non-Domestic Vacant Rating schemes is at an advanced stage.

As town centre regeneration is a complex issue which cuts across many government departments and other public bodies and agencies, I remain fully committed to working collaboratively with my Executive colleagues to identify and deliver effective, sustainable solutions.to identify and deliver effective, sustainable solutions.