Efforts to tackle obesity, gambling addiction and serious debt would be boosted by the Government granting more powers to local authorities, London Councils has said.

Streets Ahead, a study produced by the organisation, said its members wanted the ability to curb betting shops, payday lenders and fried food outlets, which, it said, can damage high streets.

The study also found that London had almost 7,000 vacant shops, costing the capital's economy £350m in lost trade and earnings.

Head of economy, culture and tourism at London Councils, Dianna Neal, said: ‘The Government could halt further decline by devolving powers to councils to support high streets.'