The event titled ‘High Streets: Heart of the Everyday Economy’ aimed to explore and examine the crucial role that businesses on local parades and high streets play in people’s lives and how policymakers can provide support. The discussion was chaired by Ryan Wain, Executive Director of Politics at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, and featured a presentation by James Lowman, Chief Executive of ACS, on the findings of ACS’ 2023 Community Barometer. This was followed by a panel discussion focusing on policy issues affecting high streets, including business rates, crime, and safety.
The panel included Sarah Owen MP, Shadow Minister for Levelling Up, Housing, Communities, and Local Government; Paddy Lillis, General Secretary of Usdaw; Richard Fleetwood, Sub-Postmaster of RF Retail; and James Lowman.
Lowman emphasized, “Local shops play a vital role in the lives of their customers, providing them with access to essential products and services, and acting as a social hub for those who may be more isolated or vulnerable. We know from the findings in our Community Barometer that convenience stores are crucial to UK consumers.”
“We are delighted to have this opportunity to highlight the positive role that these businesses play on high streets and local parades. Convenience retailers are dedicated to making a positive difference in their communities, but they need more support from the government to ensure the continuous provision of these services now and in the future,” added Lowman.
ACS’ 2023 Community Barometer examines how people value the services in their area, their preferences for more services, and their priorities for community investment. The report reveals that the top three services with the most positive impact locally are Post Offices (1), pharmacies (2), and convenience stores (3).
Similarly, local residents rated these three services as the most essential, with pharmacies being considered the number one most essential local service, followed by Post Offices and convenience stores.
