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Urban Areas: Regeneration

Asked by Jo PlattLabour (Co-op)Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 20 April 2026UIN 124906

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what progress he has made on the High Streets Strategy; and whether that strategy will include illicit trade on high streets.

Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh

High streets are at the heart of local communities, supporting jobs, local businesses and social connection. The Government recognises that illicit trade can undermine the success of our high streets and threaten legitimate traders.

Government is working with enforcement bodies through a dedicated taskforce to improve understanding of the scale and impact of illegality on high streets and to develop a long-term policy response. The High Streets Strategy will be published later this year and will consider how Government can go further.

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