Britain’s blighted high streets will improve by next election, says Rayner

Housing secretary says Labour wants to reverse fortunes of towns plagued by boarded-up shops and rogue businesses

Angela Rayner has said voters will begin to see a difference in their high street before the next general election as Labour prioritises investment in struggling local communities.

The housing secretary said the government had made it a top priority before the country goes to the polls to begin turning around the fortunes of places blighted by boarded-up shops and rogue businesses.

“There’s been a real sense of decline,” she said. “People see it as part of the identity of their town and area, and that’s why we’ve got our high streets strategy.”