New powers for councils, tougher action against rogue traders, and planning controls for vape shops and gambling venues form part of the Prime Minister's latest bid to revive struggling town centres.
High streets across England could soon see significant changes under a new package of measures designed to give communities greater control over what businesses operate in their town centres.
The reforms aim to tackle the proliferation of vape shops, betting shops and rogue businesses that ministers say have contributed to the long-term decline of many high streets. The package includes new planning requirements, tougher enforcement powers and changes to gambling legislation that will hand greater decision-making powers to local authorities.
At the heart of the reforms is a proposal to scrap the Gambling Act's longstanding "Aim to Permit" principle, which currently limits councils' ability to reject applications for new betting shops and 24-hour gambling venues.
If implemented, councils and local communities will have greater influence over whether additional betting shops are appropriate for their area, helping to address concerns around the concentration of gambling premises in some neighbourhoods.
The Government also intends to introduce planning permission requirements for vape shops, giving councils the ability to consider factors such as location and community impact before new premises can open. Ministers say the move will help prevent vape retailers from opening close to schools and stop operators exploiting loopholes by presenting themselves as convenience stores or general retailers.
Under the proposals, Adult Gaming Centres (AGCs), which offer adult-only access to slot and fruit machines, will also require planning approval from the start of next year.
Addressing Concerns Over High Street Decline
The reforms follow growing concerns about the changing composition of town centres across the country.
Research from the Centre for Social Justice found that Britain has lost almost 1,800 pubs and bars since 2016, while the number of vape and tobacco shops has risen to nearly 2,200 over the same period. Similar concerns have been raised about clusters of gambling premises in more deprived communities.
In the London Borough of Brent, for example, more than 80 gambling venues operate across the borough, including ten betting shops within a ten-minute walk in Harlesden.
Alongside planning changes, the Government will strengthen enforcement action against rogue businesses linked to criminal activity. The maximum duration of Closure Orders will double from six months to 12 months, providing additional time for police and local authorities to investigate businesses suspected of involvement in organised crime, money laundering, tax evasion and illegal working.
The measure is expected to target illegal vape stores, fraudulent operators and other businesses that repeatedly reopen after enforcement action has been taken against them.
Speaking about the reforms, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said:
“For many people, the high streets they grew up with have been hollowed out and become unrecognisable over decades of decline. The rise of vape shops, betting shops and rogue operators have replaced the shops, services, and community spaces that people are crying out for.
“That’s not on. I said we would improve Britain’s high streets, and that’s exactly what we are starting to do. We’re putting communities back in control and giving local people a real say over what opens on their high street. Local councils will be given the powers they need to rein in unwanted shops and bring town centres back to life.
“High streets are the beating heart of local communities, but for too long Westminster has stood by while they have been in decline. This government is committed to restoring our high streets and bringing back hope across Britain.”
The Government says the reforms are not solely about restricting certain businesses. Ministers also want to improve the visual appearance of town centres, responding to complaints about poor-quality shopfronts, bright neon signage and oversized branding that can detract from local character.
Working with the Planning Advisory Service, government officials will identify examples of successful high street regeneration and create guidance to help councils enhance the appearance of local retail centres.
Examples highlighted include Cross Street in Oswestry and Keynsham High Street, both cited as models of attractive and thriving town centres.
Over the next six months, councils will receive support to develop improvement plans, with further measures expected as part of a broader strategy to reverse the long-term decline of Britain's high streets.
The announcement builds on a wider programme aimed at supporting local economies and restoring confidence in towns and cities.
Recent measures include a £30 million crackdown on organised criminal activity operating through retail premises and a planned 20% reduction in business rates for pubs, social clubs and live music venues across England from next year.
The Government has also indicated that wider business rates reform, including changes to Small Business Rates Relief, will be considered at the next Budget.
Taken together, ministers argue the measures represent a shift in power away from Westminster and towards local communities, giving residents more influence over how their town centres develop while supporting efforts to make high streets more attractive destinations for shoppers, visitors and businesses.
Image credit: iStock
