Wandsworth Council's Licensing Committee has approved proposed increases to gambling licence fees, which will come into effect from April 1, 2026. The decision was made during a meeting held on Monday, February 16, 2026.

The committee reviewed a joint report from the Executive Director of Resident Services and the Executive Director of Finance, which outlined the proposed fee structure for premises licences under the Gambling Act 2005. The report noted that the council currently sets most fees at the maximum level permitted by statute to recover the costs associated with providing the licensing service. These costs include the cost of administration, including the cost of committee hearings, maintenance of the public register and information exchange with the Gambling Commission, inspection and enforcement. Councillor Humphreys inquired about the drivers for increases, and the response indicated they are reflective of staff costs going up, inflation, enforcement costs. [1]

According to the report, the number of betting shops in the borough has decreased from 57 in 2007 to 27 as of January 28, 2026, with a further reduction anticipated due to a shift towards online betting. Similarly, the number of Adult Gaming Centres has fallen from 11 to 3. However, the number of bingo premises has seen an increase, rising from one in 2019 to five.

The total income received from gambling licences was approximately £40,000 per annum, though this figure dropped to £4,400 in the 2023/24 financial year due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on high street businesses.

The committee was asked to approve the licence fees as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report, which can be found at 26-55 - Appendix 1. The report also provided details on statutory fees for permits and registrations, outlined in Appendix 2.

Councillor Katrina Ffrench, Chair of the Licensing Committee, noted that while the council is keeping in line with policies around local government, she highlighted gambling harms as a social issue that should be carefully considered by future administrations. As a resident of the borough, it is something that's very dear to my heart, she stated. So for officers to be aware of that, but also for elected members to really keep their eyes on what gambling looks like in the borough. So more of a, hopefully not a political statement, but one just from the heart for us to take this really seriously and look at it going forward. [2] This was her final meeting as chair, as she will not be standing in the next election.

The proposed fees are set to come into effect from 1st April 2026 and from then onwards unless subject to further review or regulatory change, suggesting that adjustments may be made in response to future changes in the gambling landscape, particularly regulatory shifts. [3]

[1] The principle for setting premises licence fees is to ensure that income from these fees equates to the cost of providing the service to which the fees relate; fees received under the Gambling Act 2005 can not be used to subsidise other services. While animal licensing fees were mentioned as being impacted by increased veterinary service costs from the City of London, the general principle for gambling fees is cost recovery. See Public reports pack 16th-Feb-2026 18.30 Licensing Committee.pdf. [2] Councillor Ffrench's remarks highlight a concern for the social impact of gambling, particularly with the increasing prevalence of online betting. See Public reports pack 16th-Feb-2026 18.30 Licensing Committee.pdf. [3] The report indicates a possibility for future reviews of licensing fees, especially in light of regulatory changes. See 26-55 - Report.pdf.