Rayner responds to government plans for High Streets

Residents and councils will be handed the tools to regain control of their High Streets thanks to new Government plans to crackdown on vape shops, betting shops, and adult gaming centres.

The Government will consult on scrapping the outdated “Aim to Permit” rule, making it easier for councils to reject new betting and 24-hour slot-machine shops in areas where there are strong local concerns.

Vape shops would also require planning permission, giving councils greater control over where they open and the powers to stop them opening near schools.

The maximum length of Closure Orders will also double from six to 12 months, giving police and local authorities more time to investigate premises linked to organised crime, pursue prosecutions and prevent rogue businesses - from illegal vape shops, and dodgy barber shops - reopening before investigations are complete.

The changes will make a real difference to high streets across Ashton, Audenshaw, Droylsden, and Dukinfield by giving local people more influence over the businesses opening in their communities.

The new measures are part of the Government’s wider plan to support responsible businesses, restore pride in local places and bring hope back to town centres.

Angela Rayner, MP for Ashton-under-Lyne and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, said: “Time and again, my constituents have told me how dodgy vape shops and rogue businesses are blighting our high streets and damaging pride in our town centres.

"People know when their high street isn't working for them. Whether it’s the vape shop or betting shop that's opened with no say from locals, the shopfront that's seen better days, or the sense that nobody's in control - these problems have built up over years, but this Government won't leave councils and communities powerless to crackdown on everyday eyesores that ruin our high streets.

"We have listened and 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 to fix it themselves.

“Together, we can support good local businesses, breathe new life into our high streets and build a more hopeful future for our area.”

Prime Minister Andy Burnham added: “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 have 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.”