Keir Starmer has agreed to a meeting to discuss local authority gambling licensing after the MP for Peterborough called on the government to “help places like ours take back control of our high streets.”

The prime minister approved a meeting between government officials, MP Andrew Pakes and local campaigners during a session in the House of Commons last week, following direct questioning on the subject.

“The number of betting shops and gaming arcades in Peterborough has grown rapidly,” Pakes told Peterborough Today. “Residents are rightly concerned about their impact on antisocial behaviour and the character of our city centre. This isn’t just a local problem. Nearly half of all betting shops are concentrated in the 20 percent of areas facing the most challenges, like Peterborough.”

“I’m pleased that the Prime Minister agreed to a meeting between government officials, myself, and local campaigners. I’ll be pressing for stronger planning powers so the council can limit the clustering of gambling shops and encourage businesses that bring lasting value to Peterborough.”

The meeting comes amid wider claims by local authorities that they lack the powers to oppose gambling establishments, with more than 45 councils signing a recent letter to DCMS penned by Brent Council leader Muhammed Butt which claimed an “alarming concentration” of gambling premises on UK high streets.