How Starmer plans to help Britain's ailing high streets

Sir Keir Starmer has launched a new £5bn plan to revive Britain's ailing high streets as part of an attempt to see off the threat from Reform UK.

- MILLIE COOKE POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT

It is hoped the new plan, which will see tens of millions of pounds poured into local areas, will breathe new life into derelict high streets and revive Britain’s parks and public spaces.

But what exactly will it involve and will it successfully win over disgruntled voters who are considering switching their support to Reform?

What does Sir Keir's ‘Pride in Place’ plan involve?

The government has announced funding of up to £5bn to revive high streets, parks and public spaces, investment which aims to support people across 339 neighbourhoods.

Communities will be given new powers to save local pubs and libraries, while unwanted betting and vape shops could be blocked from opening.

Councils will also be given the opportunity to breathe new life into derelict buildings and boarded-up shops, under Community Right to Buy and compulsory purchase powers.