​Labour Proposes New Measures to Restrict Fast-Food Outlets Near Schools

In a bid to tackle the growing obesity crisis among children in the United Kingdom, the Labour Party is considering new measures that would grant local councils stronger powers to limit the presence of fast-food outlets near schools. The proposal aims to address the challenges councils currently face when trying to restrict the opening of new takeaways in close proximity to educational institutions.

The government is set to launch a consultation to explore the most effective ways to empower councils in this regard. The primary goal is to reduce the number of fast-food outlets near schools, a move seen as crucial in combating the rising rates of childhood obesity. This initiative reflects growing concerns that the current legal framework does not provide local authorities with sufficient leverage to resist the influence of well-funded fast-food chains.

Since 2017, it is estimated that as many as 43 councils have faced legal challenges from fast-food giant KFC alone, highlighting the significant financial and legal barriers that councils encounter when attempting to enforce planning restrictions. Despite existing powers that theoretically allow councils to consider public health when making planning decisions, these efforts are often undermined by the legal resources available to large fast-food companies.

A government spokesperson noted, "The problem at the moment is that while councils have powers in theory to prevent takeaways from setting up near schools, they lack the practical ability to enforce these measures. Fast-food chains like KFC have the financial means to contest any restrictions, making it difficult for local authorities to protect public health effectively."

One option under consideration is the introduction of a legal presumption against the establishment of fast-food outlets near schools. This would shift the burden, making it more challenging for these businesses to obtain planning permission in such locations. The consultation will also consider other strategies, such as reinforcing the use of school exclusion zones, which currently allow councils to restrict new takeaways within a certain distance from schools.

According to the Local Government Association, nearly half of all councils already operate some form of planning system aimed at limiting the proliferation of new takeaways. These strategies include not only school exclusion zones but also restrictions based on the concentration of existing takeaways or the percentage of the local population classified as overweight or obese.

Labour's proposed measures are part of a broader effort to promote healthier communities through the planning system. The party's new planning policy framework emphasises the importance of creating environments that support healthy living, including initiatives aimed at reducing obesity, encouraging active travel, and fostering a healthy childhood.

As nearly a quarter of children aged 10 and 11 are currently classified as obese, with a significant number of younger children also affected, the urgency of addressing this issue is clear. Labour's consultation represents a step towards empowering local councils to take more decisive action in shaping healthier, more supportive environments for the next generation.