UKHospitality has outlined its vision for the survival and future vibrancy of the UK’s high streets – and it doesn’t involve a government that regulates economic growth out of existence. In a gentle way, UKH has told UKGov to butt out and stop regulating and planning the high street towards a rapidly descending death. And it should start, UKH says, with tackling the cost pressures and regulatory burdens that have driven the high street – and as a consequence, investment – into a downward spiral.
UK Hospitality has published 33 recommendations to reduce the “costly and burdensome” red tape stifling the growth of the sector, including a range of “policy levers” for government and local authorities to deliver a hospitality-led regeneration.
The Placemaking study offers a “blueprint for the high street,” and includes six overarching recommendations for governing bodies, such as “engage early, not reactively,” and to treat planning and licensing as strategic relationships.
“Hospitality businesses depend upon functioning local services and a supportive policy framework in order to truly unlock economic growth,” said a spokesperson. “Businesses across the UK often have to navigate restrictive local policies that hinder growth due to planning, licensing or broader development considerations.”
“When frameworks are overly burdensome or misaligned with economic growth objectives, they constrain the sector’s capacity to contribute fully to placemaking.”
The report highlights hospitality’s £140bn contribution to the economy, covering a wide range of areas where improvements could be made, such as business rates, development, infrastructure, licensing, planning, rent, and skills.
“Put simply, successful places need successful hospitality,” said CEO Allen Simpson. “Yet hospitality’s ability to fulfil its potential is being constrained. By tackling both the cost pressures facing businesses and the regulatory challenges outlined in this report, we can create more vibrant places where people want to live, work and invest.”
Originally published on Coinslot on October 26, 2026. Republished with permission.