PM Burnham Introduces New Measures for High Streets

New retail regulations are on the horizon as Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced plans that will require new vape shops to obtain planning permission and will grant councils the ability to prevent the establishment of new betting shops. These measures aim to revitalize town centers, which Burnham claims have suffered from decades of decline, leaving many high streets “unrecognizable.”

Burnham highlighted that these proposals come in response to a BBC News investigation that uncovered organized crime in high street areas, where illegal activities such as the sale of counterfeit goods, vapes, and drugs were prevalent. He expressed his commitment to reform, stating, “I want the strongest possible neighbourhood policing to rip out criminal behavior that is pulling places down.”

The proposals have drawn criticism from the Conservative Party and Reform UK, who argue that these measures could result in even more vacant stores, claiming that the absence of tax relief for small businesses will exacerbate the issue. Despite this opposition, Burnham remains optimistic about the potential for change, pointing to the success of Operation Vulcan in Greater Manchester, which was effective in curbing crime and removing illegal goods from the streets.

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner also voiced concerns about the increase in vape and gaming outlets, particularly their proximity to schools. She stated those shops were sometimes linked to criminal activities, necessitating tighter regulations.

In reaction to the government’s announcement, Conservative communities secretary Sir James Cleverly lamented the replacement of traditional shops with questionable operators, saying that unless supportive measures for high street businesses are implemented, the new regulations could do little but leave more shops empty.

The Liberal Democrats echoed these sentiments, with home affairs spokesperson Max Wilkinson asserting that without stringent measures against illicit vape sellers, the plan would be ineffective. He proposed further revisions to the current business rates system to alleviate some financial pressure on small businesses.

In support of the initiative, the Betting and Gaming Council expressed their approval of rigorous actions against criminal activities within the industry while advocating for community input in local planning decisions. They emphasized that claims of rampant expansion among betting shops were misleading, highlighting that around 3,000 of such venues have closed since 2019.

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, who chairs the Local Government Association, remarked on the positive change this could bring by giving local communities more authority over what types of businesses can operate on their high streets.

For 18 months, BBC News has reported extensively on the issues of organized crime affecting high streets, including various illegal activities ranging from drug trafficking to child exploitation. The National Crime Agency (NCA) reported that an estimated £1 billion in criminal cash is laundered each year through high street businesses, which increasingly contribute to illegal operations.

Last year, the BBC gained attention after exposing how underground networks supplied illegal products to mini-marts in Hull, showcasing the depth of the challenge. In light of these findings, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood initiated an urgent investigation involving several government agencies aimed at unearthing and addressing these serious crimes.

As Burnham embarks on a national tour to listen to community concerns, his proposals appear to fall at a crucial juncture, presenting a potential turning point for struggling high streets across the UK.