The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has welcomed the announcement of a new cross-departmental taskforce aimed at regenerating high streets and creating growth in every postcode.
The taskforce is one of three announced this week, with others focusing on the cost of living and increasing public control over services such as utilities and transport.
Findings from ACS’ 2026 Community Barometer report show that consumers rate convenience stores as one of the top three services locally that have the most positive impact, as well as being the most essential for a local area, along with Post Offices and pharmacies.
The report also rates convenience stores as the number one service for delivering local economic growth.
The ACS has recently been engaging with the Office of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet on what’s needed to revitalise high streets, as well as support responsible retailers that can deliver sustainable growth and bring communities together.
Its work on the Stop Rogue Traders campaign has been instrumental in highlighting the scale of the problem of dodgy shops that drag down the perception and viability of high streets and town centres.
Public priorities
First Secretary of State, Louise Haigh MP, said: “The Prime Minister has been clear that the Government’s priorities are the public’s priorities. This is about putting people back in control of the things that matter most to them and ensuring that the everyday essentials are more affordable and more accountable.”
ACS chief executive, Ed Woodall, added: “Local shops are perfectly placed to deliver good growth across every part of the country. We employ almost half a million people, invest almost a billion pounds a year, and have taken on essential services like access to cash when dedicated branches have closed.
“We look forward to working with the new taskforce on a strategy to revitalise high streets and create communities where people want to live, work and shop.”
The ACS’ full Community Barometer report is available to read here.
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