Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced new government plans that will grant local councils enhanced powers to control the proliferation of vape and betting shops on high streets across the UK. The measures aim to address the decline of town centers and combat issues like organized crime linked to such establishments.

Town centers have faced decades of decline, with many high streets becoming "unrecognisable" from their former selves, according to the Prime Minister. These changes come as part of a broader initiative to revitalize these crucial community hubs and restore a sense of hope.

The new proposals include requiring planning permission for every new vape shop in England, tightening the definition of a vape shop to prevent loopholes, and scrapping the "aim to permit" rule that limits councils' ability to refuse new betting shops and 24-hour slot machine arcades across Great Britain. Planning permission will also be needed for new adult gaming centers in England.

These enhanced powers are intended to give councils more control over the types of businesses that open in town centers, pushing back against what the Prime Minister described as "rogue operators" that have replaced essential shops and community spaces. The government hopes this will allow communities to have a greater say in shaping their local high streets.

BBC News investigations have previously exposed organized crime operating on high streets, with reports of shops selling illegal cigarettes and vapes, as well as facilitating illegal working and suspected money laundering. The National Crime Agency estimates that at least £1 billion of criminal cash is laundered through UK high street stores annually through various illicit activities.

The proposals have drawn mixed reactions. The Conservative party and Reform UK have voiced concerns that the increased regulation could lead to more empty shops, particularly if not accompanied by tax relief for other small businesses. They argue that without broader support, stricter planning rules might exacerbate the problem of vacant storefronts.

Conversely, the Liberal Democrats have called for even tougher measures, suggesting the Prime Minister's plan might fall short unless powers are significantly strengthened to combat "cowboy vape shops and dodgy operators." They have also advocated for reforms to the business rates system.

Further measures include extending closure orders for mini-marts and vape shops found selling illegal tobacco or engaging in other illicit activities, with potential extensions up to twelve months. These powers, previously proposed by former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, aim to provide a more robust tool for enforcement against non-compliant businesses.