Prime ministerial contender Rishi Sunak has unveiled a plan to “save the high street”, as he battles for the Conservative leadership.
Sunak said he would act to cut the number of empty shops, address antisocial behaviour and protect cash machines, the Daily Mail reported.
Sunak said healthy high streets are “crucial” to the economy and if he wins the race for Number 10, empty stores would be “turned into thriving local assets, supporting skills, local businesses, economies and creating jobs”.
He said: “I understand the vital role that high streets play in local communities. I don’t just want them to survive, I want them to thrive.
“We should all take pride in our high streets so I will also crack down on antisocial behaviour, graffiti and littering – through extended police powers and increased fines.”
Sunak is running against Liz Truss to become the leader of the Conservative Party and prime minister. At present, Truss appears to be the favourite.
Iceland boss Richard Walker over the weekend called for the leadership candidates to commit to “root and branch reform” of business rates, which many retailers believe is an unfair tax on bricks-and-mortar businesses.
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