Andy Burnham pledges more powers for councils to tackle anti social behaviour

Andy Burnham has said local councils should be given greater powers and resources to tackle anti social behaviour and regain control over the future of high streets.

Speaking during a campaign visit with around a week remaining until the election (18th June), he said his campaign had focused on local priorities rather than political point scoring.

We asked Mr Burnham how he would describe the mood in the constituency surrounding his campaign, and he stated it has been positive, but he was not complacent. He said he had spent the previous weeks speaking to residents on hundreds of doorsteps and would later publish what he called his contract for Makerfield.

He said his approach had been to concentrate on what he would deliver rather than criticising other parties, something that has become a big part of his campaign since his appearance on BBC's Question Time.

Andy Burnham speaking to a reporter today in Ashton, with just over a week to go until the election. Photo: Alfie Garner

Setting out proposals on anti-social behaviour and town centres, Mr Burnham argued that councils need stronger planning powers to improve high streets that he believes have declined since the introduction of local government funding cuts after 2010.

He highlighted the growth of vape shops as an example of where councils currently have limited control, "at the moment they can't
stop it because the categorisation of them means that [...] they can just take over a premise that had previously been an office or a cafe."

Mr Burnham also pointed to his campaign on adult gaming centres, saying some operate around the clock in more deprived communities and can cause significant social harm. He argued that councils should have greater authority over planning decisions so they can better shape their local areas.

He linked these proposals to wider changes for town centres, referring to a previously announced plan to reform business rates by taxing warehouses more fairly while removing business rates for some high street businesses and reducing them by 20 per cent for pubs.

Mr Burnham also said he wanted to bring an approach similar to Greater Manchester Police's Operation Vulcan to the area. He said the model would target entrenched problems affecting places such as Ashton by focusing policing and enforcement on long-standing issues. The announcement comes as he aims to reduce the impact of anti-social behaviour in areas like Ashton, with the candidate hoping to open a Youth Zone which would be similar to the Youth Zone in Wigan.

For Burnham, this is one of his last chances to convince voters that he is the right choice, not the other candidates. 

Listen to Andy Burnham talking about his plans for supporting Local Councils with the High Street:

Roch Valley Radio has contacted other candidates in this election, offering them the opportunity to answer questions.

Below is a full list of candidates standing in the By-Election on 18th June