Divided UK Reaction to Prime Minister Burnham Plan to Revoke Aim to Permit Rule on High Street Betting Shops

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to revoke the Aim to Permit rule, which currently limits local authorities from blocking new betting shops and 24-hour adult gaming centres. Burnham, a long-time sceptic of the gambling sector, described betting shops together with vape shops as “dodgy businesses” in a post on X. The move gives councils greater control and tougher powers against venues seen as causing social harm.

The policy forms part of broader high street renewal efforts amid UK challenges including economic stagnation, a housing crisis and cost of living pressures. Burnham stated that for too long Westminster has stood by while high streets declined. Reports indicate the plans hold an average favourability rating of 80.4.

Support from Reform Advocates

Independent think tank the Social Market Foundation backed the change. Jamie Gollings, its Deputy Research Director, said Burnham’s plan “puts decision-making back where it belongs” after the venues have been “proliferating in the poorest communities”.

The Centre for Social Justice also welcomed the step. Joshua Nicholson, its Head of Housing and Communities, said: “The government is right to give councils new powers to say no to these dodgy shops. High street renewal is vital to restoring security within our communities.”

Peers for Gambling Reform “strongly welcomed” the decision. Its Chair Lord Foster of Bath called it “a significant milestone for local communities and an important move towards putting the prevention of gambling harm at the heart of decisions about our high streets.”

Industry Data and Unintended Consequences

Former evoke Chief Financial Officer Vaughan Lewis questioned the proliferation claims. According to reporting by SBC News, Lewis noted Gambling Commission data showing adult gaming centres down from 1,610 to 1,415 over the last decade, with betting shops reduced by a third. He described the policy as “aimed at a sector in retreat.”

The Betting and Gaming Council told SBC News that betting shop numbers have fallen by over a third since 2019, with 3,000 shops closed and over 15,000 jobs lost. The sector still supports 37,500 jobs, brings footfall to neighbouring businesses and functions as “valued community hubs” for many customers.

Lewis warned of unintended effects: “Restricting new premises makes existing licences scarcer and therefore more valuable. This gives operators a reason to keep loss-making shops trading for their option value rather than their trade.” Major operators including William Hill, Coral, Ladbrokes, Paddy Power and Betfred have announced further closures in 2026 while citing market share losses to the illegal sector.

Reporting: SBC News

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