Ipsos reveals high prices and declining high streets key local concerns for Britons

A new poll from Ipsos in the UK, in partnership with the Sunday Times, reveals that while 87% of Britons are concerned about crime and anti-social behaviour across the UK, this reduces to four in ten (40%) when asked about their local areas. The survey also highlights the challenges facing local high streets, with high prices in shops (84%) and the decline of high streets more generally (79%) emerging as key issues.

Key findings 

• Perception of rising crime: 87% of Britons believe that crime and anti-social behaviour is a "big problem" in the UK as a whole, up from 79% in June. However, this reduces to four in ten (40%) who feel this way about their local area (slightly up from 37% in June). Two thirds (67%, up from 58% in June) of Britons think crime has increased in the UK as a whole over the past twelve months. However, once again this reduces to 39% who feel this way about their local area (up from 32% in June).
• News influence: A majority (78%) of those who think crime has gone up in the UK in the past year say they think this because of things they’ve seen on the news (up from 68% in June). This is followed by things they have seen on social media (50%) , and seeing more anti-social behaviour in their local area (46%).
• High prices and declining high streets seen as key issues: 84% of Britons are worried about high prices of goods in shops in their local area. Other key concerns are the decline of local high streets (79%), and littering/fly tipping (72%). 64% say they are concerned about crime and violence, while 59% say they are concerned about pollution and 55% say they are concerned about immigration.
• High street challenges: 54% of Britons visit their local high street or shopping area at least once a week. Top barriers to visiting their local high street of shopping area are not having enough shops that interest them (36%) and  having too many empty shops (28%).
• Too many vape and barber shops: When asked about their local high street, 65% say there aren’t enough good quality shopping options generally.
  • 68% say there are too many vape shops
  • 62% say there are not enough independently run shops
  • 58% say there are too many barber shops
  • 50% say there are too many nail bars
  • 42% say there are too many charity shops
  • 25% say there are too many mini marts, with half (49%) there are about the right amount

Commenting on the findings, Hannah Shrimpton, Research Director at Ipsos said:

Our latest data clearly shows that while concern about crime at a national level is up, there is a persistent discrepancy between perceptions of crime at a national level compared to local experiences. While 87% of Britons are concerned about crime and anti-social behaviour in the UK as a whole, only 40% feel this same level of concern in their own communities. This suggests that national narratives, heavily influenced by media coverage which people credit to informing their views, play a significant role in shaping public perception. Moreover, the challenges facing local high streets, with high prices and an abundance of vape and barber shops, indicate a need for revitalisation strategies that prioritise a diverse range of retail options.

Technical note: 

• Ipsos interviewed 1,031 online British adults aged 1 8-75 from the 06th-07th November 2025.  
• Data are weighted to match the profile of the population. All polls are subject to a wide range of potential sources of error.