Local communities across Hull West and Haltemprice will have a greater say over the future of their high streets under new Labour Government plans to crack down on unwanted vape shops, betting shops and adult gaming centres.
Emma Hardy, Labour MP for Hull West and Haltemprice, has welcomed a package of measures designed to put local people and councils back in control of their town centres and high streets.
Under the proposals, the Labour Government will remove the long-standing “Aim to Permit” rule, making it easier for councils to reject applications for new betting shops and 24-hour slot machine venues where there are strong local objections.
The plans would also require vape shops to obtain planning permission before opening, giving councils greater powers to determine where they are located and helping to prevent them opening close to schools. Adult gaming centres would also be required to secure planning permission under measures expected to come into force at the beginning of next year.
Alongside these changes, the maximum length of Closure Orders for problematic premises will be doubled from six months to 12 months. This will provide police and local authorities with more time to investigate businesses linked to organised crime, pursue prosecutions and prevent rogue operators, including illegal vape shops and other unlawful businesses, from reopening while investigations are ongoing.
The measures could have a significant impact across Hull West and Haltemprice, including areas such as Hull City Centre, Hessle Road, Anlaby Road and Hessle, by giving residents a stronger voice over the types of businesses that open in their communities.
The Government says the reforms form part of a wider programme to revitalise high streets, support responsible local businesses and restore pride in town centres. They follow other measures aimed at easing pressure on households and businesses, including maintaining lower bus fares and reducing business rates for pubs, social clubs and live music venues.
Emma Hardy MP: “Labour Has Listened”
Emma Hardy MP said: “Time and again, local people here in Hull West and Haltemprice have told me how dodgy vape shops and rogue businesses have blighted our high streets and damaged pride in our town centres.
“Labour has listened, which is why we are giving communities a real say over what opens locally and councils the powers they need to take action.
“Together, we can support good local businesses, breathe new life into our high streets and build a more hopeful future for our communities.”
Prime Minister Andy Burnham: “Putting Communities Back in Control”
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 has too often 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.”
Angela Rayner: Councils Need the Tools to Act
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 a vape shop or betting shop opening with no say from local residents, a neglected shopfront, or simply a feeling that nobody is in control.
“These problems have built up over years, but this Government won’t leave councils and communities powerless to tackle the everyday issues 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 they need to make positive change happen.”
The Government believes the reforms will help create more vibrant, attractive and community-focused high streets, ensuring local residents have a stronger voice in shaping the future of their neighbourhoods.