Local communities will have a greater say over new vape shops, betting shops and adult gaming centres under plans announced by the Labour Government.
Sonia Kumar MP, Labour MP for Dudley, has welcomed the new measures, which will put local people and councils back in control of their high streets.
The Labour Government intends to scrap the outdated “Aim to Permit” rule, making it easier for councils to reject new betting shops and adult gaming centres where there are strong local concerns.
Under the plans, vape shops will also require planning permission, giving councils greater control over where they open, including preventing them from opening near schools. Adult gaming centres will also require planning permission under proposals due to come into effect from the start of next year.
The maximum length of Closure Orders will also double from six to twelve months, giving police and local authorities more time to investigate premises linked to organised crime, pursue prosecutions and prevent rogue businesses, including illegal vape shops and other criminal operators, from reopening before investigations are complete.
The changes could make a real difference to high streets across Dudley, including Dudley town centre, Sedgley and Gornal, by giving local people greater influence over the businesses opening in their communities.
For too long, residents have raised concerns about the increasing number of vape shops and gambling premises replacing the independent shops, cafés and community businesses that help town centres thrive. These reforms are designed to restore confidence in local high streets while supporting responsible businesses that contribute positively to their communities.
The Conservatives failed to back Britain’s high streets and, over fourteen years, left many communities with empty shops, declining town centres and little local control over new developments.
Under Prime Minister Andy Burnham, the Labour Government is taking a different approach by giving communities a stronger voice over what happens on their high streets and supporting local leaders to shape the future of their town centres.
The measures form part of Labour’s wider plan to back responsible businesses, restore pride in local places and breathe new life into Britain’s high streets. They build on recent action to ease pressure on household budgets, including capping bus fares at £2 and cutting business rates by 20 per cent for pubs, clubs and live music venues from next year.
Sonia Kumar MP said: “Time and again, residents across Dudley have told me they want to see thriving high streets with a wider mix of independent businesses, cafés, community spaces and family-friendly shops, not endless rows of vape shops and gambling premises.
“Our town centres should be places people enjoy spending time in, where local businesses can succeed and families feel proud of where they live.
“These reforms will finally give local communities and Dudley Council a much stronger say over what opens on our high streets, helping to ensure future developments reflect the needs of local people rather than decisions imposed upon them.
“Alongside our wider work to regenerate Dudley town centre and support businesses across Sedgley and Gornal, this is another important step towards creating high streets that people can once again be proud of.”
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.”
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner said: “People know when their high street isn’t working for them. Whether it’s the vape shop or betting shop that’s opened with no say from locals, the shopfront that’s seen better days, or the sense that nobody’s in control.
“These problems have built up over years, but this Government won’t leave councils and communities powerless to crack down on everyday eyesores that blight our high streets.
“That’s why we’re giving local leaders the power to say no to what doesn’t belong on their high street, and the tools to fix it themselves.”
