The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has welcomed the publication of a major new report from the Government, setting out six pillars of successful high streets and a commitment to root out organised crime.
The new Hope on the High Street report, released this week by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, cites figures from ACS’ own 2026 Community Barometer on the factors that affect people’s perception of their local high streets.
The most commonly cited factor for public unhappiness about UK high streets was the proliferation of empty shops, while cleanliness and an improved range and quality of shops were things people said would make them better.
The new report identifies six pillars of successful high streets. These were defined as active leadership and management, strong businesses, anchors and amenities, a combination of vibrant culture, leisure, hospitality and entertainment, easy access, safe, clean and welcoming spaces and for high streets to be places people could call home.
Legitimate businesses
On the subject of organised crime, the report states that: “Legitimate businesses are the engine of successful high streets, creating jobs, services and places people want to spend time.
“But in some places the legitimate economy is increasingly being undermined by organised crime. Criminally controlled businesses are used to launder illicit funds, evade tax, exploit workers and sell illegal goods.”
The list of measures the Government has taken to tackle organised crime includes the Insolvency Service, Companies House and HMRC working in partnership to identify and act against directors who use successive companies to avoid debts and sanctions.
The Government said it had also made it harder for criminal enterprises to set up on the high streets and that it is exploring approaches taken by other countries and the role of landlords.
Staff training
New training to help front-line staff in Trading Standards tackle organised crime and protect legitimate business is now being rolled out. There is a view to extending this to other agencies going forward, while enforcement agencies have seen investment of up to £30m to keep them running until 2028/29.
This includes Trading Standards, Border Force and HMRC, to better provide for them to tackle the illicit and underage sale of tobacco and vapes, supporting the implementation of the Tobacco & Vapes Act.
The report said steps have also been taken to prioritise activity across government to take a targeted, coordinated approach to intervening with prolific offenders, supporting policing and local partners to reduce persistent offending and improve safety on high streets and in communities.
High street revitalisation
ACS chief executive, Ed Woodall, said: “We can only revitalise our high streets if they’re safe places for people to shop, work and invest. It’s absolutely right that the Government has put safety at the heart of its new high streets strategy.
“Cracking down on rogue traders and tackling the shop theft that blights communities and undermines legitimate businesses are essential steps towards restoring confidence in our high streets and helping them thrive.”
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