Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of having a civic centre in every market town.

This Government recognises that too many neighbourhoods, including in market towns, have been let down by broken promises of renewal, resulting in the loss of valued community assets and the decline of local high streets.

The Department has not made a specific assessment of the merits of having a civic centre in every market town. However, through our wider work to regenerate town centres and strengthen communities, we are supporting places to invest in the civic and community assets that best meet local needs. Our Pride in Place programme is empowering local people to shape the future of their neighbourhood. Supported by up to £5.8 billion in funding for 284 places across the country, Neighbourhood Boards are working with residents to deliver improvements that improve public spaces and create thriving communities.