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It was with some interest I read the article on page 7 of The MJ (20 August) under the headline ‘£50K to end scourge of the closed shops'. In brief, communities secretary John Denham has published a list of 57 authorities with retail areas suffering from the downturn, and has tasked each council with finding alternative ways to use the UK's growing number of empty shop spaces. Mr Denham wants councils to be involved in using empty premises to provide community projects, such as art exhibitions, meeting places and education establishments. Previously, Mr Denham's department (CLG) stated it was cutting the local authority business grant incentive (LABGI), set up to support local businesses by providing funding for most councils. A total of £150m was earmarked under this scheme for 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 – £50m and £100m respectively. The amount available for 2011/2012 has since been cut by £50m. Considering these two pieces of information side by side reminded me of a particular episode of the TV show I'm Alan Partridge, where the main character had to downsize his car, due to a career blip and associated reduced earnings. His PA ordered a new car to replace his large executive, but ageing, Lexus. The replacement was an Austin mini Metro, which the manufacturer had renamed as the more prestigious ‘Rover'. On seeing the car, Alan turns to his PA and says: ‘What's this you've got me?' ‘It's a Rover,' replies Lynne. ‘No it isn't. They've re-badged it, you fool,' replies Alan. I cannot help but think this scenario may have been played out by the CLG, where £50m has been cut to £3m and re-badged as a new CLG initiative to support councils and local business during the economic downturn. What do you think? Stephen Weigel is chief executive at Tandridge DC

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WHITEHALL

District View

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