Labour risks being “washed away in a tide of discontent” at the next general election unless it confronts the decline of Britain’s high streets, according to new research.
A study by the University of Southampton found voters believe shopping districts have deteriorated more than any other part of their local communities over the past decade.
YouGov polling commissioned alongside the research ranked improving high streets as the third biggest local concern for voters, behind only healthcare and crime.
Disillusionment was found to be strongest among Reform UK supporters.
Professor Will Jennings, who led the study, said their anger reflects a “deep sense of place-based resentment” aimed squarely at Westminster politicians.
Fresh analysis of Ordnance Survey and Landmark Information data underlines the scale of the decline.
Britain’s town centres now have at least 8,000 fewer retail premises than in 2019, with traditional retailers hit the hardest.
The number of department stores has collapsed from more than 1,700 to just over 1,000 in six years.
Britain’s town centres now have at least 8,000 fewer retail premises than in 2019
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Clothing shops have fallen by 13 per cent, while betting shops have shed more than a fifth of their outlets.
However, other sectors have expanded rapidly, with vape shops surging by an estimated 38 per cent.
Restaurants have jumped from around 17,000 to 25,000 premises as dining out rebounded after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Discount retailers have also boomed, growing by 41 per cent as households tighten their belts amid the cost of living crisis.
DECLINE OF THE HIGH STREET – READ MORE:
Vape shops have surged by an estimated 38 per cent
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In response to growing anger, the Government has announced a £5billion regeneration programme over the next decade.
Under its “Pride in Place” scheme, 250 towns across England, Scotland and Wales will each receive up to £20million to support local regeneration projects.
Ministers have also unveiled a business rates discount for pubs and promised a broader high street strategy later this year.
Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson admitted retailers are under mounting pressure, saying: “We do understand it’s a tough time for businesses on the high street.
“Consumers have changed their habits, increasingly working from home and shopping online.”
Business groups have warned regeneration cash alone will not reverse the decline
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Business groups have warned regeneration cash alone will not reverse the decline.
Tina McKenzie, policy chair at the Federation of Small Businesses, said a “vicious cycle” would persist without relief on business rates, staffing costs and energy bills.
Labour MP Leigh Ingham said there is a “proper sense of decline in our towns”, blaming “14 years of austerity”, and backed plans allowing councils to convert empty shops into community spaces.
Professor Jennings warned that political fallout is inevitable if frustration continues to be ignored.
“People increasingly believe politicians in Westminster don’t care about their area,” he said.
“That sense of neglect has real electoral consequences.”