Lord Stuart Rose, a former CEO of Marks & Spencer and ex-chairman of Asda, has strongly criticized Andy Burnham's plan to revive high streets, labeling it "a lot of b******s about nothing" and "a lot of hot air." Burnham's proposal involves a crackdown on the establishment of new betting and vape shops, giving local councils more power to refuse planning permission for such establishments and tightening definitions to prevent vape shops from masquerading as convenience stores. The plan also includes changes to planning policy to allow local communities to have greater control over their high streets and doubling the maximum length of Closure Orders for rogue shops linked to organized crime from six to 12 months. Ministers will also revoke the Aim to Permit rule that liberalized gambling, and Adult Gaming Centres will require planning permission.
However, Lord Rose, who is also a Tory peer, contends that these measures are insufficient and will do little to genuinely revive town centers. He argues that the focus should instead be on reforming business rates and reducing the costs associated with employing staff. He stated that "getting rid of vape shops won't save the high street" and that illegal shops should be shut down regardless. Reform UK's Treasury spokesman, Robert Jenrick, echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the policy will only create more empty shops unless the government addresses the "jobs tax," high business rates, and provides fundamental support to high street businesses.
Burnham's announcement comes as part of his broader commitment to give local communities the power to turn around "hollowed out" high streets, particularly in former industrial areas. He previously announced a 20% cut to business rates for pubs, social clubs, and live music venues in England starting next April, though this relief was not extended to struggling restaurants, cafes, and hotels. Burnham and Chancellor John Healey remain committed to exploring wider business rate reform, aiming to rebalance the system so that online businesses and warehouses pay a fairer share, thus supporting smaller independent businesses that bring social good and improve safety on high streets.
