Greenwich Council has formally demanded action on national gambling laws, calling for urgent reform to empower local communities and restrict the proliferation of betting shops.

The motion, passed at a Council meeting on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, advocates for a statutory levy on gambling operators to fund harm prevention initiatives. The motion 'Modernising National Gambling Legislation' proposes this levy, with funds to be distributed to independent public bodies and local health authorities for harm prevention and treatment. However, the specific structure and rate of this levy are not detailed.

Flowchart illustrating the process of debate and amendment for motions presented to the Council.
Flowchart illustrating the process of debate and amendment for motions presented to the Council.Source: Council papers, 18 March 2026

Councillors Rachel Taggart-Ryan and Mariam Lolavar, who proposed the motion, highlighted the escalating national issue of gambling addiction, with Public Health England estimating the annual societal cost to exceed £1 billion. They expressed concern over the growing number of betting shops, adult gaming centres, and casinos appearing on high streets, particularly in areas with higher socio-economic deprivation.

These concerns stem from the current legislation, which they argued leaves local authorities powerless to stop it due to the Aim to Permit principle enshrined in the Gambling Act 2005. This principle, detailed in Section 153 of the Act, 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 motion 'Modernising National Gambling Legislation' proposes to change this 'Aim to Permit' policy to allow councils to refuse gambling premises that pose risks to local welfare and safety. Specifically, it suggests that councils should have the power to consider local social and health factors, such as debt and proximity to schools, when reviewing planning applications.

Diagram illustrating the structure of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee.
Diagram illustrating the structure of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee.Source: Council papers, 18 March 2026

The motion further calls for all gambling premises to be placed in a single planning category to prevent loopholes. Greenwich Council resolved to write to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and relevant government departments to express its support for legislative reform. The council also pledged to work with local health and voluntary sector partners to provide residents with access to gambling addiction support and education initiatives.

The motion can be found in full here: Motion - Modernising national gambling legislation to empower local communities and take back contro.