UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced plans to give local councils greater authority over the opening of betting shops and adult gaming centres (AGCs), with proposals to remove the “aim to permit” principle from the Gambling Act 2005.
The change would allow councils to take a stronger role in deciding whether new gambling premises should open in their communities. The government said the measure is intended to give residents more influence over the future of their high streets, where concerns have been raised about the concentration of gambling venues in some areas.
The “aim to permit” rule was introduced as part of the 2005 gambling reforms under Tony Blair’s Labour government. It requires licensing authorities to begin from the position that applications for legal gambling premises should be approved when they meet regulatory requirements. Campaigners and some local authorities have argued that the rule limits councils’ ability to object based on the number of existing gambling venues in an area.
As reported by Alliance News, Burnham said the proposed changes would allow communities to have more control over what businesses operate on their high streets.
“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.”
He added: “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.”
Adult Gaming Centres Face New Planning Requirements
The proposals would also introduce new planning requirements for adult gaming centres, which provide access to slot machines and fruit machines, including venues that operate for up to 24 hours.
The government plans to consult on giving AGCs a separate planning classification, meaning each proposed location would require approval rather than relying on existing rules.
Industry figures have questioned the extent to which AGCs have expanded in recent years. Available Gambling Commission data shows the number of adult gaming centres has remained relatively stable, falling from 1,610 locations in 2015 to 1,415 in 2025.
Betting shop numbers have also declined over the same period. Data cited by industry representatives shows the number of betting shops has fallen from 8,995 to 5,825, with operators closing thousands of locations.
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) rejected claims that betting shops have spread without control and argued that licensed operators should not be grouped together with illegal businesses.
“We support tough action against criminal operators and agree local people should have a proper say over their high streets. But the suggestion that betting shops are spreading unchecked is simply wrong.
“Betting shop numbers have fallen by over a third since 2019. Around 3,000 shops have closed and over 15,000 jobs have already been lost.
“It is wrong to lump highly regulated, licensed betting shops together with rogue or criminal businesses. Betting shops still support 37,500 jobs, bring vital footfall to neighbouring businesses and, for many customers, are valued community hubs.”
The organisation said the main challenge facing high streets was the number of empty retail units and declining employment rather than licensed betting premises.
Support And Criticism From Stakeholders
The proposals have received support from groups that have campaigned for greater local authority powers.
Jamie Gollings, deputy research director at the Social Market Foundation, said: “This is a significant and welcome step for local democracy and thriving communities.”
“Councils know their high streets better than anyone, yet the ‘aim to permit’ rule has meant they’ve had very little real say over what opens on them. Our research made clear that these venues are proliferating in the poorest communities, are linked to anti-social behaviour, and often fail the basic tests of fairness and harm prevention set out in the Gambling Act itself.”
The Local Government Association also welcomed the proposed changes, saying councils should have more influence over the services and businesses present in their communities.
Opposition parties argued that the government’s approach does not address wider economic pressures affecting town centres.
Shadow communities secretary James Cleverly said: “Everyone can see what has happened to our high streets, with once-treasured shops being replaced by a smattering of rogue operators, many of which have links to organised crime and fraud.
“Labour’s business rates hikes have hollowed out our high streets, driving out the shops people want and leaving empty units for whoever is left standing to fill.”
Reform UK Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick also criticized the plans, saying restrictions on new businesses could lead to more vacant premises without broader support for retailers.