Reading Lib Dems launch plan to ‘support our high streets’ after shock business closures and job losses

Reading Liberal Democrats have launched a campaign to support the local high street, as new analysis reveals the hit delivered to jobs and businesses.

According to official ONS figures, Reading saw 445 businesses close their doors in the first half of 2026. This led to an overall reduction in the number of local firms by 55, as the number of business closures overtook the number of new businesses opening.

Reading Lib Dems have said that these figures are extremely concerning and the Government must take urgent action to implement the Liberal Democrats’ plan to support local businesses.

It includes an emergency 5% VAT cut on hospitality, accommodation and attractions - boosting local pubs, restaurants and entertainment venues while saving people money on the occasional extra.

The plan also calls for an overhaul of the broken business rates system and abandoning the unfair National Insurance Contribution (NIC) hike.

Reading Lib Dems say high streets are essential for local employment as the number of young people out of a job has reached 880 - an increase of 5% compared to a year ago.

In the Thames Valley, there were a shocking 18,000 shoplifting offences over the last year.

To make our area safer and tackle the scourge of shoplifting on our high streets, the party is also calling for CCTV to be rolled out in every corner shop, and for cracking down on illicit vape shops.

Liberal Democrat Councillor for Tilehurst, James Moore, said:

“In Reading we’ve seen an unacceptable rise in shoplifting and business closures following decades of neglect and mismanagement by consecutive Labour and Conservative governments.

“Our high streets are dying, but it’s not too late to support them. The Government must stop dragging its feet and implement the Liberal Democrats’ plan to bring the hustle and bustle back to our town centres, restore the high streets as the heart of our communities and make them a safe place for everyone to enjoy.”