High streets fight back as councils get power to say no

Last orders for betting and vape shop takeover?

Britain's high streets could be on the brink of their biggest makeover in decades. Under government plans, councils would finally be able to block new betting shops and force vape stores to seek planning permission, ending years of complaints that profitable chains have been allowed to crowd out the independent businesses communities actually want.

For small and micro businesses, the changes could mark a turning point. Fewer betting and vape shops could mean more attractive town centres, higher footfall and new opportunities for family-run firms, cafés and local retailers to reclaim Britain's struggling high streets.

BETTING & VAPE SHOPS FACE CRACKDOWN

The PM vows to stop the “takeover” of town centres as councils get new powers to say No

Could we really be about to get our high streets back? If the reported reforms go ahead, for the first time in years, councils should be able to shape high streets around what local people want. Our high streets could be in for their biggest shake‑up in decades, and small and micro businesses might finally have a fighting chance.

The PM has announced plans to stop betting shops and vape stores flooding high streets, and to give local councils the power to reject new gambling businesses and force vape shops to apply for planning permission.

These are two of the most visible signs of decline on high streets and for years local people and other small businesses have been left wondering why they are so many of them popping up especially in areas that are already down at heel.

Big change

The reported plan is to scrap the rule that means local councils have to approve new betting shops if the paperwork is correct. Local leaders hate it and shoppers and small businesses hate it even more. The rule has helped turn high streets into run down of vape shops, betting shops and rogue operators, replacing the shops, cafés and services people and communities really value.

Local businesses

The independents, the family‑run firms, the micro‑businesses, cafés, repair shops and local traders trying to survive could be lucky enough to see:

Less competition from high‑margin chains

Betting shops and vape stores generate huge profits. One gambling machine can pull in £35,000 a year and that’s more than the average wage in many areas. These businesses can afford prime units and high rents. Small firms can’t. If councils can finally say no, it stops these operators swallowing up the best spots.

Fewer “dead zones” on high streets

Clusters of vape and betting shops drive down footfall, cut the time people spend on their high streets because they don’t feel safe or attractive.

That hurts small businesses most. Cutting the numbers of the undesirable businesses could mean we get more diverse shops and family‑friendly areas which could attract more people away from online or out of town shopping centres.

More space for real businesses to grow

If councils can reject betting and vape shops in inappropriate locations and stop them opening near schools for example, and make sure convenience stores aren’t just disguising vape shops they should be able to prioritise community‑focused businesses. Small local firms may be able to get units previously snapped up by the money-making chains.

Levelling up deprived areas

Research shows deprived communities have three times as many vape shops as well-off areas. These are the same areas where small businesses struggle most with fewer customers, more empty shops and poor investment. Reducing the numbers of vape and betting shop could help rebalance local economies, make customers more confident about venturing into the area and even create local jobs. The chains suck the money out of local economies. There the chance here for local businesses, that keep money in local economies and support their communities, to make a comeback.

Why now?

Research from the University of Southampton warned Labour could be “washed away in a tide of discontent” unless it tackled high street decline. The PM is on a UK wide tour this week talking about the cost of living. If he has a look at the high streets he’ll see for himself the change that’s needed and if he listens to small local businesses he’ll be left in no doubt. 

Next steps

This is only the first step. Westminster plans clearer rules on shopfront design with blueprints for “ideal high streets” and guidance for councils on improving local shopping areas. There will be a consultation, but the government is reported to want new powers for councils in place by early 2027.

This could be good news for small and micro firms. Fewer vape and betting shop clusters would mean more attractive high streets which is likely to increase footfall and create more space for independent businesses and keep money and jobs in the local communities.

For the first time in years, local councils may be able to shape high streets around what local people want not what high profit-making chains can afford.