Ian Lavery MP column: 'Save our high streets before it is too late'
Less than 20 years ago, our high streets were livelier, more popular destinations.
National and local firms occupied much of the available commercial properties in towns like Ashington and Blyth – empty shop fronts were the exception. In 2026, high streets are struggling to survive.
There are many reasons for their decline, which did not happen overnight. The 2008/09 financial crisis, the Covid-19 pandemic, out of town shopping complexes and the internet have all contributed.
Likewise, there won’t be one simple means of reversing the downward spiral.
There are are options, however, that the Government must consider to stop the rot and lay the groundwork for revitalising our town centres.
Last week Andy Burnham, the Labour Mayor of Manchester and Makerfield by-election candidate, put forward ideas that need serious consideration. After all, his policies have seen Manchester grow faster than any other UK city, earning him the right to be heard.
He has proposed abolishing business rates for small firms consisting of a single shop and raising the threshold at which small businesses start paying business rates by £6,000, with a tapering relief to avoid financial cliff edges.
Andy knows that our town centres depend on having a thriving hospitality sector. His idea of a 10% VAT reductions for cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs, together with a 20% reduction in their business rates will, according to many experts, do much to stop the recent tragic wave of closures in that sector.
This would be paid for by increasing the ridiculously low business rates currently paid by internet businesses such Amazon.
We are naturally social beings, but without town centres within which to come together we will become isolated individuals, weakening our sense of belonging and feelings of community.
Everyone boxed up in their own houses, constantly watching streamed telly or playing video games without seeing others outside those four walls would not be healthy for anyone.
Let’s urgently look at bold ideas such as Andy’s and avoid a lonelier future.
Residents in the Blyth and Ashington constituency can contact my office by calling 01670 852494 or emailing [email protected] and there are also plenty of updates that are posted on my Facebook page (Ian Lavery MP).