Tackling gambling harm: UK councils propose six-point plan for change
A coalition of 38 UK councils and combined authorities has called for urgent reforms to the Gambling Act, demanding greater powers to address gambling-related harm in communities. In response, the Gambling Commission has pledged to implement new measures in the future, while the government has reiterated its commitment to tackling gambling harm through updated legislation.
UK councils push for stronger powers to protect communities
The councils, led by Brent Council, sent a letter to Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, outlining six key areas for reform. These include granting local authorities the ability to reject premises licence applications that pose risks to community welfare and safety.
Councillor Muhammed Butt of Brent Council emphasised the importance of these changes, stating: “There’s too much on the line to ignore the harms of betting shops on Britain’s high streets, but our hands are effectively tied by a law no longer fit for purpose. Brent’s Six Point Plan for Change is our blueprint for reform, and we look forward to working with our coalition of councils and the government to put our asks into action.”
The proposed reforms also aim to ensure that bingo halls and adult gaming centres are categorised alongside bookmakers under the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). This would prevent operators from bypassing restrictions by splitting premises. Additionally, councils want the ability to consider local household debt levels when assessing planning applications for high-street casinos and are urging the government to halt plans to liberalise adult gaming centres.
One of the most significant demands is a complete ban on gambling advertising, promotion, and sponsorship. The UK councils argue that such measures are necessary to protect children and young people from exposure to gambling-related content.
Gambling Commission promises future changes
Responding to these calls for reform, the Gambling Commission highlighted its advice to the government published in 2023. A spokesperson stated: “When parliamentary time allows, it will introduce powers to enable local licensing authorities to conduct cumulative impact assessments. Once implemented, these could enable those authorities to take account of wider evidence-based factors in their decision-making with regard to the granting or refusing of additional gambling premises licences in certain areas, including, for example, socio-demographic factors.”
The regulator also pointed out that this commitment was reaffirmed in the English Devolution White Paper released in December 2024. These cumulative impact assessments could provide local authorities with more robust tools to evaluate whether new gambling establishments are appropriate for their communities.
Government outlines harm-reduction efforts
The day after receiving Brent Council’s letter, Lisa Nandy addressed questions in Parliament regarding gambling harm. She acknowledged concerns about advertising and stated that the industry has been tasked with raising standards “to ensure that levels of gambling advertising do not exacerbate harm, and we will continue to review the evidence.”
Nandy also highlighted key measures aimed at reducing gambling-related harm. A new statutory levy will be introduced next week, raising approximately £100m annually to fund research, prevention programmes, and treatment services. Additionally, new limits on online slot stakes will come into effect soon: a £5 limit will begin on 9 April, followed by a £2 limit for younger adults starting 21 May. “That is a key harm-reduction measure and targeted at those most at risk of harmful gambling,” Nandy explained.
Addressing outdated gambling legislation
With over 12 million people represented by the councils advocating for change, there is growing pressure on both regulators and lawmakers to address outdated gambling legislation.
While the Gambling Commission has promised future reforms and the government has introduced harm-reduction measures like stake limits and funding initiatives, many local authorities remain eager for broader powers, especially in curbing advertising and controlling licensing decisions. As discussions continue, all eyes will be on how these proposals evolve into actionable policies.
