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Written question asked by Ashley Fox (Conservative) on Thursday, 12 March 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 16 March 2026. It was answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh (Labour) on Thursday, 19 March 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.


Shops: Planning Permission

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps his Department plans to take to give powers to councils to reject applications for new betting shops, vapes stores and fake barbers.

Answer

The Government is taking action to give local authorities and communities the power greater control over the mix of uses on their high streets. Later this year Government will bring forward a new High Streets Strategy, backed by at least £150 million of support, to tackle the challenges care about most.

When parliamentary time allows, we will introduce Cumulative Impact Assessments in gambling licensing, enabling councils to better manage the concentration of gambling premises in vulnerable areas. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will also provide powers to introduce a licensing scheme for the retail sale of tobacco, vaping and nicotine products. Alongside this, the 2025 Budget committed £15 million per year to tackle illegal activity on the high street.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
120420
Session
2024-26
Related items
Electronic Cigarettes: Shops
Thursday, 23 April 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Lord Mandelson
Wednesday, 29 April 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Betting shops Fraud Planning permission Personal care services Electronic cigarettes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk