Prime Minister Andy Burnham has proposed giving councils powers to prevent betting shops, adult gaming centres and vape shops from opening on high streets. 

Burnham said that for too many people the high streets that they ‘grew up with have been hollowed out and become unrecognisable over decades of decline', adding: ‘Councils will be given the powers they need to rein in unwanted shops and bring town centres back to life.'

Local government secretary Angela Rayner said: ‘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.'

Ministers aim to introduce the crackdown by early next year following a six-week consultation.

Local Government Association chair Cllr Eamonn O'Brien said it was a ‘vital first step' to giving councils more control over high streets.

The move came on the day of the publication of Government guidance on laws coming into force in October 2026 and January 2027.