What are the Government’s plans to slash red tape for high streets?
- Red tape reforms: The Government plans to modernise planning and licensing rules through a new National Licensing Policy Framework, aiming to reduce costs and delays for hospitality businesses.
- Support for venues: Measures include easier conversions of empty shops into hospitality venues, protections for existing pubs and clubs from noise complaints, and the introduction of the Agent of Change principle into national planning and licensing policy.
- Hospitality zones: New dedicated zones will fast-track permissions for al fresco dining, extended hours, and street events to revitalise high streets and support local economies.
- Industry response: Trade bodies including UKHospitality, the BBPA, and NTIA welcomed the proposals but stressed the need for swift implementation and further support on business rates and operational costs.
The Government is planning to introduce a new National Licensing Policy Framework, which will look to modernise planning and licensing rules, aiming to reduce the cost, complexity and time it takes to open and operate hospitality venues.
The reforms will aim to make it easier to covert disused shops into hospitality venues as well as protect long-standing pubs, clubs and music venues from noise complaints by new developments.
Furthermore, the Government plans to introduce the Agent of Change principle into national planning and licensing policy.
This means developers will be responsible for soundproofing their buildings if they build near existing pubs, clubs or music venues.
Dedicated ‘hospitality zones’ will also be introduced where permissions for al fresco dining, street parties and extended opening hours will be fast-tracked.
UKHospitality chair Kate Nicholls said: “We strongly welcome these proposals to cut red tape and make it easier to open and operate hospitality venues, create jobs and grow the economy.
“Measures like streamlined licensing, hospitality zones and protections for existing venues are positive steps, which we have been pushing for some time.
“We know hospitality is the key to reinvigorate our vital high streets, breathe life into neighbourhoods and support local communities and this is a welcome first step towards unlocking that.”
Mounting cost pressures
However, Nicholls also emphasised the ongoing rising costs being faced by operators.
“But positive and encouraging as these measures certainly are, they can’t on their own offset the immediate mounting cost pressures facing hospitality businesses, which threaten to tax out of existence the businesses and jobs that [the] announcement seeks to support,” she added.
“Let’s hope this is just the start of a bold, long-term plan for the high streets and hospitality, with reforms implemented swiftly and the promise of permanent lower business rates delivered in full at the next Budget to secure these new opportunities for all.”
The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) welcomed the announcement and echoed UKH’s call for Government support.
Chief executive Emma McClarkin said: “After bringing together key voices in the pubs and wider hospitality sector, it’s great news many of the industry’s recommendations on how best to cut red tape and support growth will be acted on.
“Red tape smothers pubs and wider hospitality, which means communities and the economy miss out so, given pubs are struggling right now, it’s vital these are implemented at pace.
“These changes must go hand in hand with meaningful business rates reform, mitigating staggering employment costs and a cut in beer duty so pubs can thrive at the heart of the community.”
Moreover, the Night-Time Industries Association (NTIA) also strongly welcomed the proposals.
Vital step
CEO Michael Kill said: “For too long, business owners have faced unnecessary red tape and planning uncertainty that stifles innovation and growth.
“These proposals mark a vital step towards creating a more supportive environment for independent operators entrepreneurs and local communities.
“The plan to streamline licensing, introduce dedicated hospitality zones and require developers to take responsibility for soundproofing near existing venues are particularly encouraging.
“These are all practical measures that reflect a growing recognition for the cultural and economic value of nightlife in the UK.
“These reforms offer renewed hope to an industry still under immense pressure from high costs and outdated policies.
“Fast-tracking permissions for al fresco dining, extending trading hours and protecting pavement pints are not just regulatory changes, they’re a reaffirmation of Britain’s social identity and out unique nightlife culture.”
The new National Licensing Policy Framework aims to streamline and standardise the process for securing planning permission and licences, according to the Government.
Business and trade secretary Jonathan Reynolds said red tape had stood in the way of people’s business ideas for too long and slashing these barriers will give small business owners the “freedom to flourish”.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves added: “Whether it’s cheering on the Lionesses or catching up with friends, our pubs and bars are at the heart of British life.
“For too long, they’ve been stifled by clunky, outdated rules. We’re binning them - to protect pavement pints, al fresco dining and street parties - not just for the summer but all year round.
“Through our Plan for Change, we’re backing small businesses and bringing good times back to the high street.”
The Government said the plans, which are subject to an initial call for evidence in due course, will be delivered as soon as possible as part of its commitment to reduce the administrative costs of regulation by at least a quarter.
