New ACS Report Reveals Public Priorities for Local Services

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has published its Community Barometer 2025, providing fresh insight into which local services voters value most and want to see more of in their communities.

Based on a UK-wide survey of 2,000 consumers in June 2025, the report explores perceptions of local services in terms of their impact on communities, importance to the local economy, and future demand.

Key findings include:

• Top-rated for local impact: Post Offices, pharmacies and convenience stores are seen as having the most positive effect on local areas.
• Most wanted services: Banks remain the most desired, followed by specialist food shops and non-food shops.
• Local economy drivers: Pubs, convenience stores, and restaurants rank highest for their contribution to local economic strength.
• Safety concerns: One in five shoppers say shop theft makes them feel less safe in their community.

The report also highlights the role of local shops in tackling loneliness and supporting accessibility, with 63% of shoppers living within a quarter of a mile of their local store and 39% believing their local shop helps reduce loneliness.

Download and read the full Community Barometer 2025 report here