Crackdown on vape shops and bookies as Burnham gives councils power to choose what is on their high streets

The Prime Minister has pledged a crackdown on lax planning rules that have been blamed for the decline of much-loved town centres.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said town centres had been "hollowed out" by decades of decline.

Britain's Prime Minister Andy Burnham speaks to residents, care workers, volunteers and social care stakeholders during a care home visit in London, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. Andy Burnham has promised to save “hollowed out high streets” by cracking down on vape and betting…

Vape shops in England and Wales to need planning permission while betting shop law change will also apply in Scotland Councils are to be given powers to stop betting and vape shops taking over their high streets under new plans announced by Andy Burnham. Local authorities will…

New prime minister Burnham to tackle Britain’s ‘hollowed-out high streets’ by scrapping Blair’s Aim to Permit directive

Andy Burnham is detailing plans to crack down on the number of new vaping and betting shops, his latest announcement focused on tackling everyday issues as he tries to win over voters since becoming Britain’s prime minister.