The Association of the Convenience Stores has welcomed the publication of the government’s levelling up white paper, specifically the commitments to tackle crime in communities and boost connectivity in rural areas.
The white paper, which will become law through the new Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, focuses on improving standards of living and working in disadvantaged areas across the UK through the delivery of 12 ‘missions’ by 2030.
These include:
- Pay, employment and productivity will have risen in every area of the UK, with the gap between the top performing and other areas closing.
- Homicide, serious violence, and neighbourhood crime will have fallen, focused on the worst-affected areas.
- The UK will have nationwide gigabit-capable broadband and 4G coverage, with 5G coverage for most of the population.
- The gap in Healthy Life Expectancy between local areas where it is highest and lowest will have narrowed and by 2035 will rise by five years.
- Pride in place, such as people’s satisfaction with their town centre and engagement in local culture and community will have risen in every area of the UK, with the gap between the top performing and other areas closing.
ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “It’s encouraging that the white paper recognises the importance of tackling crime, which is central to how people feel about their local area. This rhetoric needs to be backed with resources and powers for Police and Crime Commissioners and Neighbourhood Policing Teams to improve their response to crime in shops and elsewhere in communities.”
He added: “We are encouraged that the High Streets Task Force is specifically identified to play a role in promoting the best use of funds to support town centre developments and, as a sector leader advising the High Streets Task Force, I am excited to see them help shape effective investment in those places.”
The full levelling up white paper is available here.
