Communities are set to benefit from clearer expectations around the level of public services they receive in their area, under changes announced by the Government.
Key issues that matter to local people - from cleaner streets, filled in potholes and other vital public services communities rely on - will come under a Neighbourhood Guarantee for the first time, and of particular note in the new plans for retailers is the news further action will be taken to tackle the proliferation of vape shops and gambling premises on high streets.
Local leaders will be asked to work closely with central government to meet these expectations and deliver “real, tangible change people can see and feel.”
The reforms build on measures including the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act and the £5.8bn Pride in Place programme, to shift power from Westminster back to communities ensuring tangible change can be seen and felt on the ground.
Communities secretary, Steve Reed (left), said: “People want to live in neighbourhoods where streets are clean and safe, the high street is vibrant, and core public services are available. But too often this isn’t what happens.
“People are proud of their areas but feel let down by governments who’ve allowed their high streets to become boarded up, their roads full of pot holes and their streets full of dumped rubbish.
“The Government’s new Neighbourhood Guarantee sets minimum standards local people can expect to see and hold public services to account. And if things don’t improve, there are new powers to force change. This is all about showing respect for the places people call home.
“The state of the local high street is one of the ways people measure whether the country is going backwards or forwards. Where once there were shops and restaurants and people, now there are vape shops, bookies and barbers shops with no customers.
“In one area of Manchester there are now 51 vape shops across just two streets.”
“In one area of Manchester there are now 51 vape shops across just two streets. People are sick to the back teeth of their towns and cities being dominated by these shops, against the will of local people. Councillors want to take action but simply don’t have the power.
“Now we’re giving councils new powers to restrict certain shops on the high street, take over empty shops and use the spaces to run services or activities or businesses.”
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