Labour to Take Action Against 'Dodgy' Candy Stores in Effort to Revive High Streets

Labour is set to target questionable candy shops to rejuvenate UK high streets should they win the upcoming election. Over 20 such stores, selling US-themed sweets, have popped up on Oxford Street in London, filling spaces left by traditional shops during lockdown. However, Westminster City Council is probing some for tax evasion and selling fake goods.

These questionable shops often promise low rent and to cover business rates but frequently fail to pay up, with Westminster pursuing about £9 million in arrears. Shadow financial secretary James Murray vows that Labour will collaborate with local authorities to encourage genuine businesses, advocating for a "new shops bonus" offering three months' rate relief for newcomers.

Labour's plan aims to combat a decade-plus of high-street deterioration by addressing late rate payments, seizing over £1 million in illegal goods from these candy stores, and tightening company registration laws to deter economic crimes.

Stuart Machin, CEO of Marks & Spencer, and Westminster city council leader Adam Hug have criticized the negative impact these stores have on London's image and the vibrancy of UK high streets. They call for government intervention to empower local councils to bring back community-oriented, lively shopping hubs.