Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleKate DevlinMonday 10 August 2026 23:06 BSTAndy Burnham reveals tax plan to save pubs and high streetsPrime Minister Andy Burnham has unveiled plans to revitalise Britain's high streets by scrapping Sir Tony Blair's "aim to permit" rule to give councils power to block betting shops.Under the new proposals, vape stores and 24-hour slot machine venues will require planning approval from next year, with tighter definitions to stop shops bypassing rules.Police will gain powers to close suspicious shops, including barbers, vape stores and nail salons, for up to a year to investigate potential ties to organised crime.The government will introduce design guidance for shop fronts to remove garish neon signs and make town centres visually more attractive.The Centre for Social Justice welcomed the initiative, although shadow local government secretary Sir James Cleverly warned that extra regulation without tax support could increase shop vacancies.In fullCrackdown on vape shops and bookies as Burnham gives councils power to choose what is on their high streetsMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in