Rahima Khan, Conservative candidate for Mayor of Newham, sets out her vision for improving our high streets. Rahima says:

Our high streets and shopping parades are more than just places to shop, they're the heart of our community; bringing people together, giving opportunities to establish small businesses and providing jobs to thousands of residents.

Unfortunately high rents and rates, government regulations and confusing parking schemes have led to our high streets and shopping parades becoming avenues of betting shops with local independent shops being driven out.

If elected as Mayor of Newham I will lobby government for a reduction in business rates owed by independent shops, changes to the law on betting shops and look at innovative parking schemes to see what really works best for each area in full consultation with local businesses.

Find out more about Rahima's priorities at Rahima Khan for Mayor of Newham.