Rishi Sunak has unveiled a plan to rejuvenate the UK’s high street if he becomes Prime Minister.
The hopeful Tory leadership said it will expand police powers to tackle anti-social behaviour, namely by allowing officers to more freely disperse people who behave in certain ways.
Mr Sunak also wants to help keep shopping streets clean by allowing local authorities to double the fine for litter and graffiti.
In addition, laws could be tightened to mean those who damage public property could be put behind bars for offenses for which they would be more likely to skip jail time.
Conversely, the rules around farmers’ markets would be relaxed.
Mr Sunak said he wants to ‘make it as easy as possible for them to trade on our high streets and sell their fantastic products to the local people’.
The former chancellor believes removing these hurdles will make it easier to convert shuttered shops and dilapidated buildings into new businesses and cafes.
He said: ‘I want to reduce the number of empty stores by 2025 and ensure that they are converted into thriving local assets, supporting skills, local businesses, economies and job creation. They will be joined by vital public services, such as police stations and job centers.
‘We should all be proud of our shopping streets. I’ve been clear that I have a plan to rebuild our economy; our shopping streets are a crucial part of that.’
The Retail Jobs Alliance, a group that includes Tesco, Greggs, Sainsbury’s and Waterstones, has said the move that would make a difference to high streets would be to lower corporate rates.
Mr Sunak eased corporate rates during the pandemic and oversaw a property tax review, but no radical reform followed.
Liz Truss, rival of the former chancellor, has indicated she would review business rates if she becomes prime minister.
Mrs. Truss seems to be the favorite to win over Tory voters.
She has had several significant endorsements, most recently from one of her own past competitors Tom Tugendhat.
Ms. Truss’ tax plans consistently see her leading in polls, as party members believe they are “based on genuine conservative principles.”
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