Barnet Council is preparing to consult the public on its Gambling Statement of Principles, a crucial document that will guide the regulation of gambling premises across the borough for the period of 2027 to 2030. The proposed statement was a key topic at a recent Licensing and General Purposes Committee meeting.
Jennifer Barrett, Service Manager of Environmental Protection and Licensing, presented the report, highlighting that the Gambling Act 2005 requires local authorities to review and publish this statement every three years. The current policy, reviewed in 2023 and implemented in January 2024, necessitates this update.
Addressing Concerns Over Gambling Premises Numbers
During the meeting, councillors sought clarification on the reported increase in the number of gambling establishments. It was confirmed that this apparent rise is not due to an increase in commercial gambling venues. Instead, it reflects a broader categorization of premises, now including schools and charities applying for licenses for community activities. These licenses are for events or operations within these institutions that may fall under a wider licensing framework, rather than traditional betting shops or casinos.
New Powers and Reforms on the Horizon
The discussions also delved into potential reforms to the Gambling Act and the growing influence of local authorities over gambling licenses. The English Devolution and Communities Empowerment Act 2026 is set to introduce gambling impact assessments. This significant reform will empower local authorities with greater control in refusing licenses and will allow for the integration of local information and specific harms into policy decisions. The updated Gambling Statement of Principles aims to address these local harms and incorporate local intelligence, a move that comes as councils have faced challenges with national legislation perceived as favouring gambling institutions and difficulties in objecting to applications.
Mapping and Data to Inform Policy
In response to a query about increasing leverage to refuse licenses, councillors were informed that mapping the prevalence of gambling outlets in specific areas would indeed provide greater grounds for refusal or for suggesting alternative locations. Furthermore, a new project, undertaken in conjunction with public health, is actively mapping gambling establishments. This initiative will analyse data related to these locations, including other factors from a public health perspective, including areas of deprivation.
Potential for Capping Establishments
The feasibility of capping the number of gambling establishments in a given area was also raised. The committee was advised that such a measure would constitute a policy decision requiring full council approval. This decision would be informed by the data gathered from the new project mapping gambling establishments and their public health implications. While the specific criteria or thresholds that would trigger a council decision to cap numbers were not detailed, the intention is to use data to support such policy choices.
Public Consultation Underway
The draft policy is now open for public consultation, and residents are strongly encouraged to share their views on the proposed changes. The outcome of this consultation will be reported back to the committee in November.
For further details, refer to the Public reports pack.
