Rayner promises high street improvements before next general election
Angela Rayner says shoppers should start seeing improvements to struggling high streets before the next general election, as Labour makes town centre regeneration a priority. The pledge comes amid boarded-up shops, pressure on local businesses and the threat to thousands of jobs at Poundland.
The government says more than £1bn in business rates relief for retail, hospitality and leisure will take effect over two years, with cuts beginning next April. Rayner also cited £5.8bn for local regeneration and a £210m fund to transform derelict buildings; business leaders argue deeper reform of business rates is still needed.
In short
- Rayner expects visible high street improvements before the next election.
- More than £1bn in business rates relief is planned.
- Businesses say wider reform is still needed.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “Britain’s blighted high streets will improve by next election, says Rayner”.