The initiative relies on business rates cuts arriving in April alongside an existing £5.8bn regeneration fund and £210m designated for derelict buildings. Ministers are exploring heavier taxes on digital storefronts to support physical retailers struggling against severe economic pressures. Despite these financial lifelines, thinktanks like the Resolution Foundation criticised the relief package for being poorly targeted, while high streets face mounting strain, highlighted by the owner of Poundland entering administration proceedings.
Key points
Rayner pledged visible progress in revitalising struggling British commercial centres bef…: Rayner pledged visible progress in revitalising struggling British commercial centres before voters head to the next general election.
Financial relief taking effect in April is being partially subsidised through increased t…: Financial relief taking effect in April is being partially subsidised through increased taxes on gambling venues and vape retailers.
Business leaders expressed disappointment that Labour has not yet delivered its promise t…: Business leaders expressed disappointment that Labour has not yet delivered its promise to completely replace the existing business rates model.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
Angela Rayner has said voters will begin to see a difference in their high street before the next general election as Labour prioritises investment in struggling local communities.
The housing secretary said the government had made it a top priority before the country goes to the polls to begin turning around the fortunes of places blighted by boarded-up shops and rogue businesses.
“There’s been a real sense of decline,” she said. “People see it as part of the identity of their town and area, and that’s why we’ve got our high streets strategy.”
Speaking after John Healey, the chancellor, earmarked more than £1bn in his debut budget on Wednesday to support retail, hospitality and leisure businesses, Rayner signalled that the government stood ready to take further action.
“The chancellor has shown he’s backing our high streets, backing our businesses that have been struggling and giving them the breathing space,” she said. “And he’s going to continue with that.”
In an interview for the Guardian’s series on the fortunes of Britain’s towns, Rayner insisted that the budget was “moving the needle”…
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