Hounslow Council is backing national gambling reform, recognising the significant social and economic consequences of gambling addiction. At a meeting on Tuesday 25 November 2025, the Borough Council voted to join a coalition of local authorities advocating for immediate changes to gambling laws.

The motion, put forward by Councillor Farhaan Rehman and seconded by Councillor Gurmail Lal, notes the presence of 57 gambling premises in Hounslow. It also expresses concern about the increase in online gambling and the normalisation of gambling through widespread advertising.

The council has resolved to support the six recommendations outlined in the Social Market Foundation's report, High Streets at Stake. These recommendations aim to give local authorities greater control and resources to regulate gambling within their communities.

Specifically, the council is calling for:

  • Granting greater licensing powers to local authorities.
  • Including Directors of Public Health in the gambling licensing process.
  • Reviewing current premises licence classifications, particularly where Adult Gaming Centres operate under bingo licences, to close loopholes.
  • Increasing the cap on annual licence fees for gambling premises from £1,000 to at least £2,000, and requiring annual reviews so that fees reflect the true cost of enforcement and regulation.
  • Clarifying the balance of responsibilities between local authorities and the Gambling Commission.
  • Removing the 'Aim to Permit' rule from the Gambling Act. Section 153 of the Gambling Act 2005 enshrines the 'Aim to Permit' principle, which requires councils to approve gambling licenses where minimum criteria are met, regardless of local community opposition or concerns over public health, crime, or social impact.

The council will also write to relevant government departments expressing support for these proposals and urging immediate legislative reform. Additionally, Hounslow will join and promote the Coalition to End Gambling Ads (CEGA) and any similar national or local campaigns aimed at reducing gambling harm and reforming the law. The council will also work with local health and voluntary sector partners to signpost residents to gambling addiction support and education initiatives.

The motion recognises that while gambling may be a source of entertainment for some, it can lead to financial ruin and addiction for others. The council aims to create safer high streets and reduce gambling-related harm in the community. The full agenda and reports pack from the meeting can be found on the council's website.