Edgbaston is set to be one of the first parts of Birmingham to see a new high street crackdown announced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, giving councils and local people greater control over what businesses open in their area. The measures, confirmed this week, will target vape shops and betting shops, according to Birmingham Edgbaston MP Preet Kaur Gill.
New powers for councils and communities
Ms Gill said the clampdown will give local people and councils greater control over what opens on their high streets. She said the changes "could make a real difference to high streets across Birmingham Edgbaston, including Harborne High Street and Dudley Road," where she has consistently raised concerns about protecting local high streets, supporting good businesses and giving residents a greater say over what opens in their community.
The measures are part of the Government’s wider plan to support responsible businesses, restore pride in local places and breathe new life into high streets. The announcement follows a previous government confirmation of changes affecting seven high street banks.
MP welcomes crackdown
Gill said: “Time and again, local people here in Birmingham Edgbaston have told me how dodgy vape shops and rogue businesses have blighted our high streets and damaged pride in our local communities.” She added that she has consistently raised the need to protect and revitalise high streets, particularly places like Harborne and Dudley Road.
“Good local businesses should be able to flourish and local people should have a say over what opens in their community. This Government has listened. These new powers will give councils the tools they need to act and communities a real say over what happens on their high streets. Together, we can support good local businesses and breathe new life into our high streets,” Gill said.
Prime Minister's commitment
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “For many people, the high streets they grew up with have been hollowed out and become unrecognisable over decades of decline. The rise of vape shops, betting shops and rogue operators have replaced the shops, services, and community spaces that people are crying out for.”
“That’s not on. I said we would improve Britain’s high streets, and that’s exactly what we are starting to do. We’re putting communities back in control and giving local people a real say over what opens on their high street. Local councils will be given the powers they need to rein in unwanted shops and bring town centres back to life. High streets are the beating heart of local communities, but for too long Westminster has stood by while they have been in decline. This government is committed to restoring our high streets and bringing back hope across Britain,” Burnham said.
The new powers are expected to be rolled out in phases, with Edgbaston among the first areas to benefit. The government aims to empower local authorities to act against rogue businesses, supporting the regeneration of town centres across the country.
