Issue details
Approval to award a contract to Loyal Free to implement and manage a bespoke App linked to local businesses that offers incentives and encouragement to shop and play locally.
In 2020, Covid-19 caused the largest
contraction in the UK economy
for over 300 years. Although the implementation of the
vaccination
programme and the announcement of the ‘lockdown road
map’ by
the government has offered more immediate hope about the road
to
recovery, the impact of the pandemic on businesses, jobs and
households will continue to be felt in the months and years
ahead.
Already, we have seen the existing inequalities widening, with the
low-paid and already vulnerable groups disproportionately affected
across a range of socio-economic and health measures.
Before the pandemic, the decline of the UK’s high streets is
well documented. The growth of out-of-town shopping centres and
internet shopping has led to absentee landlords, empty shops and a
stifling of choice at the heart of our communities. The pandemic
has therefore accelerated the need to think differently about how
we design and create vibrant, thriving high streets across the
county.
The council recognises that our market towns and high streets play
a critical role in the county’s economy and in our
communities. While the composition and size may vary, they are
often a point of community focus and for generations have been the
place where people go to shop, meet or work. They are an economic,
social and cultural hub that shapes the vibrancy, wellbeing and
prosperity of where we live and work. In addition, they are the key
interface between the wider rural areas and connectivity to and
from Hereford.
Providing support to our market towns and high streets to enable
recovery as soon as possible is therefore one of the
Council’s immediate priorities. Cabinet Members have a vision
for Herefordshire to join the growing number of Councils and
organisations that have a bespoke digital platform linked to local
businesses that offers our residents incentives and encouragement
to shop and play.
Project management resource will be provided to support the
implementation of the Loyal Free App.
Decision type: Non-key
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Notice of proposed decision first published: 04/05/2021
Decision due: 18 March 2021 by Director of adults and communities (Historic)
Contact: Stephen Vickers, Director for adults and communities Email: Stephen.Vickers@herefordshire.gov.uk.
Decisions