VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Shops: Planning Permission

Asked by Jim McMahonLabour (Co-op)Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 11 December 2025UIN 97561

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether his Department plans to give councils additional planning powers to help tackle unwanted uses such as barbers, vape shops and betting shops.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook

My Department has no current plans to amend local planning authorities’ powers along the lines suggested.

The government is empowering communities to curate healthy, vibrant public spaces through the Pride in Place Strategy.

We have committed to introduce Cumulative Impact Assessments in respect of gambling licensing which will allow councils to take data-driven decisions on premises licences, particularly in areas that have been identified as being vulnerable to gambling-related harm.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim