West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has welcomed Government plans to invest in local high streets and support retailers. The plan to transform high streets is underpinned with a £675 million fund which local authorities can access to help local shopping areas to thrive. Smaller retailers are also able to benefit from a rates reduction announced in the Budget which will see rates reduced by a third for two years from April. And the Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government is looking for ideas from local authorities on how they can use extra cash to make high streets more successful. Harriett commented: “Smaller towns like Malvern, Pershore, Tenbury and Upton-upon-Severn have a delicate balance of small independent retailers and larger companies to drive footfall onto the high street. “The Budget measures to reduce rates for the smaller companies are an important first step but the Government is developing a plan to make high streets across the country more attractive and more successful. “I am sure our local retailers will have their own ideas about what we can do to encourage more people to spend more time and money on the high street and I know our local district councils will consult with them as they develop their plans. “We are blessed with great local independent stores and some of the best farm produce in the world. I try my best to shop local whenever I get the opportunity and I hope many more people will do the same in 2019.”