Key facts
- Labour plans to improve Britain's high streets before the next general election.
- Chancellor John Healey allocated over £1 billion to support retail, hospitality, and leisure businesses.
- Business rates cuts for retail, hospitality, and leisure companies are planned from April.
- A £5.8 billion 'pride in place' programme supports regeneration projects.
- £210 million is allocated to transform derelict buildings.
Labour's housing secretary, Angela Rayner, expressed optimism that Britain's high streets will show signs of recovery before the next general election, attributing this to government investment and strategy. Speaking after Chancellor John Healey's budget, which allocated over £1 billion to support struggling retail, hospitality, and leisure businesses, Rayner indicated continued government backing. She highlighted the £5.8 billion 'pride in place' programme and a £210 million fund for transforming derelict buildings as key initiatives. However, business leaders called for more fundamental changes to the business rates system, a promise Labour made in its manifesto.