Andy Burnham set to give councils to get more power in crackdown on vape and betting shops

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and the Prime Minister have announced new plans to grant local authorities increased powers to regulate the proliferation of vape and betting shops on high streets. Under the proposed measures, councils will be empowered to reject planning applications for these businesses, aiming to address concerns regarding the decline of local commercial centers.

The initiative is designed to provide communities with greater control over their high streets, which have been described as hollowed out. While the planning permission requirements for vape shops are slated for England and Wales, the legislative changes concerning betting shops are intended to extend to Scotland as well.