Barnet Council has officially declared a gambling harms emergency, signalling a commitment to developing a comprehensive strategy to tackle the issue across various council services.
The declaration was made during a council meeting on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, following the presentation of national and local public health evidence
that highlights the financial, the health and the social costs of gambling harm, including its links to debt, poor mental health, family breakdown, crime and inequality.
Councillor Alison Moore stated that Barnet Public Health believes that this is a gambling harms emergency
and is working on a local health needs assessment funded from the gambling level, developing clear local data to underpin the anticipated gambling impact assessment regime.
The comprehensive strategy to tackle gambling harms will involve a joined-up approach across licensing, planning, public health, community safety, schools, debt advice, and resident support services.
The council also welcomed the introduction of Gambling Impact Assessments and urged the government to implement them promptly.
Barnet Council has pledged to review its advertising and sponsorship policies to prevent the normalisation or promotion of gambling. Furthermore, the council will write to the Gambling Commission to challenge its hands-off
approach to local licensing, advocating for greater influence for community and elected representatives. Barnet Council also committed to continuing its work with national campaigns for a new Gambling Act that prioritises public health.
More information on the council's public reports can be found in the Public reports pack 20th-Oct-2026 19.00 Council.