From local markets to libraries and amenities, town centres and high streets have long been central to life in our community. But for too long, the decline of high streets has been treated as inevitable, with empty units and anti-social behaviour too often allowed to become the norm.
I refuse to accept this.
By bringing businesses, residents, and local government together, we can transform our town centres so they can remain at the heart of our community.
We’ve already committed to scrapping the effective immunity granted to shop lifting, as well as introduced new Respect Orders to give police stronger powers to tackle antisocial behaviour.
While change can’t happen overnight, I am working alongside the Government to create thriving and sustainable town centres that communities can take pride in.