Mayor Andy Burnham announced a policy push for giving greater authority to local government to limit the concentration of retail premises such as vape and betting shops, saying the move was intended to support high-street recovery. Andy Burnham, speaking on the state of urban centres, said that many town centres had been “hollowed out” over decades and that local decision-makers needed stronger tools to manage change.
Greater Manchester‘s metropolitan mayor framed the proposal as a response to a mix of economic and social trends affecting shopping streets, including changing consumer habits and the spread of specialist outlets. He highlighted the prominence of outlets selling vaping products and gambling services and argued that too many clustered in certain areas, affecting footfall and the mix of uses that sustain thriving centres.
The announcement set out a case for devolving or clarifying powers available to local councils, enabling them to take a more active role in planning and licensing decisions related to the use of ground-floor retail space. Mr Burnham said these measures were intended to give councils options to shape local retail landscapes as part of broader regeneration strategies, without outlining detailed legislative steps at this stage.
Local authorities, business groups and community organisations will be watching for formal proposals and potential consultations. The measures sit alongside ongoing debates about urban renewal, public health and the role of planning in shaping high streets. Mr Burnham said revitalising town centres required sustained attention from both civic leaders and national policymakers to balance economic recovery with community needs.
