The UK high street revival plan will target vape shops, betting outlets and rogue businesses as the government seeks to breathe new life into town centres.
_x000D_Prime Minister Andy Burnham is expected to announce the measures on Tuesday. The plans would give local communities greater influence over which businesses can open in their areas.
_x000D_The government also wants to strengthen the powers available to councils and police when dealing with problematic premises.
_x000D_ _x000D_New rules for vape and betting shops
_x000D_Under the proposed UK high street revival measures, new vape shops and adult gaming centres would need planning permission.
_x000D_The government also plans to remove a rule that limits councils’ ability to reject new betting shops. The change would give local authorities more flexibility when residents raise strong concerns about new outlets.
_x000D_Supporters say the measures could help towns develop more diverse high streets instead of allowing certain types of businesses to dominate local shopping areas.
_x000D_ _x000D_Tougher action against rogue premises
_x000D_Police and local authorities would also receive more time to investigate properties connected to organised crime.
_x000D_The maximum period for closure orders would increase from six months to 12 months. Officials say the change would give authorities more time to deal with premises that pose a serious threat to local communities.
_x000D_The measures form part of a wider government effort to improve town centres and support local businesses.
_x000D_ _x000D_Wider plans to ease household costs
_x000D_Burnham’s high street plans follow several other measures aimed at improving living standards.
_x000D_His government has moved to reduce taxes on domestic electricity bills. It has also introduced bus fare caps and lowered business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues.
_x000D_Earlier, Burnham said the government would take action against misleading product discounts and subscription traps. The move is part of a broader effort to reduce financial pressure on households.
_x000D_ _x000D_Government seeks visible changes
_x000D_The government wants the measures to deliver practical improvements after years of political instability and weak growth in household spending power.
_x000D_Britain has experienced seven prime ministers over the past decade. The government now says it wants to demonstrate that it can deliver faster and more visible changes.
_x000D_The UK high street revival strategy is therefore focused on both town-centre businesses and wider household costs.
_x000D_ The government’s latest proposals are expected to give councils a stronger role in shaping local high streets while tightening oversight of businesses seen as contributing to their decline.
