The forum advises government on the challenges facing high streets and helps to develop practical policies to enable town centres to adapt and change.
Community pub minister Brandon Lewis, who gained responsibility for the high street in the latest Government reshuffle, told the Publican’s Morning Advertiser that he believes the forum was too retail focused and needed input from other industries.
He said: "I have asked Mike Tye, Spirit chief executive, so we have a pubco in the industry with a substantial high street presence across the country. And Brigid Simmonds British Beer & Pub Association chief executive.
"She effectively bridges two things for us including the beer and pub industry but also the tourism industry. The tourism industry do have an interest in the high street as well."
The forum’s membership also includes Costa, the Post Office, Boots UK, John Lewis, the British Independent Retailers Association, the Association of Town and City Management, the Association of Convenience Stores and the British Property Federation. Hilary Hall, secretary general of the Hairdressers Federation, was also added to the membership today.
Challenges
Lewis said: “The way we use our high streets is changing and we need to ensure they are places people want to spend their leisure time as well as shop. The Future High Street Forum is an incredibly important part of the work we are doing to address challenges faced by the high street. And bringing representatives on board from such a variety of places will strengthen its community voice.
“The new £1bn high street support package includes new tax breaks for shops, sensible changes to parking rules and more power for councils. Our investment combined with the strong local leadership of the forum will help ensure high streets will remain at the heart of our communities for decades to come.”
Simmonds said: “I am very pleased to be joining the Future High Street’s Forum. Pubs have a vital role to play in fostering vibrant high streets, the night-time economy, and supporting the entire leisure industry. They also have great expertise in what makes their local high street tick. I look forward to getting started.”