𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Shoppers are sick of high streets being taken over by vape shops, pawnbrokers and fried chicken outlets, a new survey has revealed. They want more banks, specialist food shops and pharmacies instead. The poll, by the Association of Convenience Stores, was published as incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham was urged to keep a Labour promise to save the high street.

Ministers announced in January that it would publish a “High Streets Strategy”, designed to cut the number of vape shops, support pubs and “restore pride in our communities”. However, it has still not been released, and MPs are now pushing Andy Burnham to ensure the issue is at the top of his agenda.

The Association has written to Mr Burnham calling for police and local authorities to make better use of powers to close shops which are fronts for criminal enterprises. The National Crime Agency has warned that £1 billion in criminal cash is laundered through high street businesses each year, and some retail outlets are connected to the sale of fake goods, tax evasion, illegal working, and illegal drug supply.

The Association also wants changes to business rates making it cheaper for legitimate businesses to take over empty shops.

Association of Convenience Stores chief executive Ed Woodall said: “Successive Governments have sought to find ways to support high streets, but in many parts of the country high streets and town centres have been stuck in a cycle of managed decline. “Reducing the number of empty shops, ensuring there is a diverse mix of retailers on high streets, and stopping the onslaught of dodgy shops are all effective ways that the Government can direct funding locally and reverse this trend.”

The British Retail Consortium is also calling on Mr Burnham to work with retailers and back reforms to employment costs, business rates, energy bills, and regulation.

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive at the British Retail Consortium, said: “The high street strategy is long overdue. To breath new life into our high streets requires fundamental reform of the broken business rates system.

“Retail accounts for 5% of the economy but pays over 20% of the total business rates bill, holding back investment, jobs, and growth.

“The priority must be reducing the overall burden on retail and hospitality businesses to support the investment and jobs needed to revitalise our high streets and keep prices down for customers.”

The House of Commons Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee has launched an inquiry into the proliferation of betting shops, vape shops and fake barbers on high streets and what can be done to reduce their number.

MPs will consider whether councils should be given more powers to control how properties are used, such as compulsory purchase orders allowing them to seize vacant high street premises. As part of the inquiry, MPs will question Ministers about the strategy.