High Streets and devolution - thoughts from Graham Galpin FIPM
At the Institute of Place Management, we are committed to leading the conversation about the future of high streets and town centres, particularly in the context of changing local government structures and the ongoing devolution agenda.
We are therefore pleased to share this thought-provoking piece from Graham Galpin, a Fellow of the IPM, former High Streets Task Force Expert, and a representative of the Timpson Review of high streets. Drawing on his considerable experience, Graham poses important questions about how towns and their centres can remain at the heart of strategic decision-making as power shifts through devolution.
His reflections come ahead of an Round Table this Friday, where some IPM members are meeting to begin a series of in-depth conversations on this very issue. The perspectives Graham offers—combined with the expertise of those joining the discussion—will shape how we support and influence place-based decision-making across the UK.
Below, Graham sets the scene. We encourage members and partners to reflect, share, and get involved.
A couple of months ago, I posed a question: can we, as umbrella organisations, respond effectively to the evolving needs of town centres amidst the changing face of local government and devolution?
This Friday, I’m delighted to report that a Round Table of IPM members will begin to examine this question in depth. It marks the first in what will be a series of ongoing and essential conversations.
As a short recap of previous thoughts - presented below - I urge you not to be complacent. The Round Table brings together some brilliant minds, each approaching the issue from a unique perspective. Watch this space.
How can high streets and towns contribute meaningfully within the devolution framework?
They are the beating heart of the local economy and our social infrastructure. But crucially, they sit within towns - and our focus must reflect this wider context.
There is a demonstrated need for specialist support - like that provided by the High Streets Task Force (HSTF)—in the broad field of place management. Sadly, the ring-fenced funding for the HSTF has now ended.
In recent years, much business support on the high street and across towns has been channelled through Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), which have funded Growth Hubs and other initiatives. While these structures are said to continue, the reconfiguration of local government to support devolution raises several important questions:
- Will central government commit to further ring-fenced funding for town centres?
- Will Mayoral funding KPIs reflect growth in towns as a distinct metric?
- Will these matters remain under review over the coming four years and beyond?
- How far down the governance chain will devolution really go?
- What happens to towns not selected for funding or devolution pilots—do they risk being left behind?
A further question for IPM, NALC, ATCM and other sector bodies is whether we’re focusing on the right geography. During the Timpson Panel discussions, there was a proposal for the Panel’s outputs to explicitly reference towns, not just high streets. At the time, this was declined.
Now, with increasing demand for Neighbourhood Plans, we must ask:
- How can towns and town centres define themselves meaningfully?
- How will they consult, prepare, and deliver plans without a truly local, accountable body to lead that process?
As Districts are aggregated and new Mayoral Combined Authorities take shape, the perceived distance between local communities - residents, businesses, voluntary groups - and decision-makers is growing. How can those local voices engage meaningfully with these more remote structures?
Local organisations will still require funding and decisions made at a local level. But the combination of physical distance and emotional disconnection from Mayoral authorities is widening.
The Government’s proposal for Locality Boards is a well-intentioned gesture. But can these bodies truly understand and serve the needs of our town centres? And even then, they will initially be rolled out in only 75 areas.
About the author
Graham Galpin
Graham Galpin is a civic and community leader with a strong track record in local government and town centre regeneration. He is particularly well known for his work in Ashford, Kent, where he served as a Cabinet Member for Town Centres & Business at Ashford Borough Council
He has also been involved in wider regional and national conversations about economic development, planning, and place leadership. In several forums, including those connected to the High Streets Task Force and Timpson Review, he has been cited as someone with practical experience of making things happen on the ground.
Now still passionate about towns and urbanism, Graham is also a Trustee of Ashford Museum.