South Staffordshire named one of the weakest high street areas in England and Wales - here's why

South Staffordshire contains some of England and Wales’ worst high streets, according to new figures.

The figures, released by Money.co.uk, assessed local authorities as part of its ‘Local Retail Health Index’, an analysis that highlights areas that are facing an ‘accelerating decline’ in shop numbers, retail provision, and commercial activity.

Compared to 3,000 in both England and Wales, South Staffordshire lost some 35 retail units between 2024 and 2025, leaving the region with 28 shops per 10,000 residents, with Money.co.uk saying it marks the region as among the weakest performing local authorities in England and Wales.

It comes as South Staffordshire Council recently announced its proposed Village Centre Action Plan, which they say will help to pay for projects aimed at enhancing high street culture.

Among those also ranked were regions in the East Midlands, South East, and Wales.

See the ranking below:

1) West Northamptonshire, East Midlands. Ranking: 301. Index score: 17.9

2) Vale of Glamorgan, Wales. Ranking: 302. Index score: 17.9

3) Erewash, East Midlands. Ranked: 303. Index score: 17.5

4) South Staffordshire, West Midlands. Ranking: 304. Index score: 16.3

5) West Berkshire, West Berkshire. South East. Ranking: 305: Index score: 15.1

6) Broxtowe, East Midlands. South East. Ranking 306: Index score: 14.6

7) Wirral, North West. Ranking: 307. Index score: 13.4

8) Medway, South East. Ranking: 308. Index score: 12.4

9) Stevenage, East England. Ranking: 309. Index score: 10.9

10) Mansfield, East Midlands. Ranking: 310. Index score: 9.4