Communities across England are set to be given clearer expectations over the standard of local public services under a new Neighbourhood Guarantee announced by the government.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said the guarantee would cover issues including cleaner streets, filled potholes and other public services relied on by local residents.

Under the plans, local leaders will be asked to work with central government to meet the new expectations and deliver visible improvements in villages, towns and cities.

Communities Secretary Steve Reed said people wanted to live in neighbourhoods where streets were clean and safe, high streets were vibrant and core public services were available.

He said: “But too often this isn’t what happens. The government’s new Neighbourhood Guarantee sets minimum standards local people can expect to see and hold public services to account. And if things don’t improve, there are new powers to force change.”

“This is all about showing respect for the places people call home.”

The government said residents will be able to monitor whether the guarantee is being met in their area through new published data on the Local Outcomes Framework platform.

The announcement forms part of a wider package of reforms aimed at giving communities, councils and mayors greater control over local services.

Up to 25 areas will take part in new Community Power Pilots, where councils, community groups and residents will co-design local services. The pilots will cover areas such as early years provision, youth services and community safety, with services tailored to local needs.

Residents could be invited to help design what they want to see in spaces such as parks or community hubs.

The government also said it would take further action against profiteering by private companies providing public services to councils, particularly those involved in supporting vulnerable children in care.

Ministers said they had legislated for powers to introduce and enforce a profit cap if required. The Government said wider reforms to children’s social care would aim to expand fostering, support families earlier and ensure residential care is used only when necessary.

The announcement also includes measures aimed at changing the make-up of local high streets.

The government said action would be taken to tackle the spread of vape shops and gambling premises, particularly in areas where local people and councillors feel they have limited powers to intervene.

It said councils would be given new powers to restrict certain shops on high streets, take over empty shops and use the spaces for services, activities or businesses.

According to a statement, one area of Manchester had 51 vape shops across two streets and said adult gaming centres were often clustered in deprived areas.

The reforms follow the introduction of Gambling Impact Assessments, which allow councils to limit the number of gambling premises in their areas.

Mayors are also set to receive further powers, including the ability to make decisions on Transport and Works Act Orders within their own areas. The Government said this would allow mayors to progress major transport projects such as tram networks.

Ministers also said they would work with the Mayor of Liverpool City Region on a place-led approach to raising school standards, and with deputy mayors for health in Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire.

The government said it would continue work on Right to Manage reforms for social housing residents, aiming to make it easier for them to take control of services where they face high service charges and poor provision from councils or contractors.

The measures build on the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act and the government’s £5.8 billion Pride in Place programme, which ministers say are designed to shift power away from Whitehall and toward local communities.

The package will now depend on how councils, mayors and central government implement the new standards and powers at local level.