A former boss of Marks & Spencer has branded Andy Burnham's plan to save high streets as 'a lot of b****cks about nothing'. Downing Street said the Government will also work with councils to improve the appearance of high streets and help restore pride. James Cleverly, Tory communities spokesman, said it was 'Labour's business rates hikes' which have 'hollowed out' high streets. 'Labour is doing the opposite by making life harder for small, legitimate businesses to operate on our high streets.' Mr Burnham on Tuesday said he and Chancellor John Healey were still 'committed' to looking at wider reform of business rates.