Local residents will soon have the authority to veto the opening of new vaping and gambling establishments as part of an initiative to rejuvenate the UK’s town centers.
In an upcoming announcement, Keir Starmer is set to introduce a restructuring of town planning to empower communities in deciding the locations and number of retail outlets in their localities.
A boost in funding, directed towards local councils and community projects, is anticipated to be revealed by the Prime Minister to support these reforms. Additionally, efforts are being made to expedite the transfer of vacant premises to community ownership, preventing the clustering of vape shops, betting establishments, and barbers on high streets.
Following his appointment as the Secretary of Housing, Communities, and Local Government, Steve Reed highlighted the need to address the disparities in wealth distribution across the country. He emphasized the importance of empowering neglected communities to take charge, instill pride in their neighborhoods, and provide them with the means to enhance their areas’ prosperity.
Recent data shows a significant surge in vape shops on English high streets, with an increase of nearly 1,200% in the past decade, as reported by Health Equity North. The study also revealed a disproportionate concentration of bookmakers and pawnbrokers in deprived regions compared to more affluent areas.
Amid the emergence of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party, Labour MPs have shifted their focus towards addressing fundamental issues affecting their constituencies, such as the condition of local high streets.
Labour MP Dawn Butler initiated a summer campaign aimed at revitalizing the nation’s town centers, advocating for legislative amendments to grant councils greater authority in regulating the proliferation of betting shops and adult gaming establishments, predominantly found in economically disadvantaged areas.
Andrew Pakes, Labour MP for Peterborough, is actively engaged in revitalizing his city’s struggling high streets, which have witnessed a surge in vape shops and gambling venues. Highlighting the visible distress in these areas, he emphasized the urgent need for transformation to meet community expectations.
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