Proposals to give councils greater control over the opening of new vape stores, betting shops, and adult gaming centres could help rebalance town centres, but planning restrictions alone will not revive struggling high streets, a personal finance expert has warned.
The proposed changes, backed by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, could make it easier for local authorities to prevent certain types of businesses from becoming heavily concentrated within individual communities. Joe Lytwyn, personal finance expert at thimbl.com, believes the proposals could make a meaningful difference in areas where gambling premises have become particularly prominent.
Expert: Greater control could help, but not solve
“Giving councils greater control could make a meaningful difference, particularly in areas where betting shops and adult gaming centres have become heavily concentrated,” Lytwyn said. “When households are under financial pressure, the promise of a quick win can become more appealing. However, gambling losses could deepen an already difficult financial situation. If these businesses are highly visible and easily accessible, we could present gambling as a normal part of everyday spending rather than something carrying a genuine financial risk.”
However, Lytwyn warned that restricting the number of physical betting shops would not remove the financial risks associated with gambling, particularly when online platforms remain readily available. “Planning rules could reduce the visibility of gambling on high streets, but they will not remove the underlying financial risk. People can still access betting and gaming platforms online within seconds, regardless of how many physical premises are permitted in their area. The proposals could therefore help change the appearance and balance of town centres, but they should not be viewed as a complete answer. Any attempt to address the financial impact of gambling must also recognise how easily it can now be accessed through phones and other devices.”
Planning restrictions not enough for regeneration
While the measures could allow councils to have a greater say over the future of their high streets, Lytwyn said preventing new vape stores and betting shops from opening would not be enough to regenerate struggling town centres. “Planning restrictions alone will not revive the high street. If councils block new premises but the units remain empty because other businesses cannot afford to take them on, the underlying problem has not been solved. An empty shop is not a revived high street. The government must also consider why independent retailers, hospitality venues, and essential local services are struggling to occupy these spaces in the first place.”
The proposals are part of a broader effort by Burnham to address concerns about the concentration of such premises in town centres across Greater Manchester. The measures would give councils new powers to shape the commercial mix of their high streets, but as Lytwyn emphasised, they are not a panacea. The impact will depend on whether they are accompanied by wider support for local businesses and efforts to tackle the root causes of vacant units.
