High street gambling reform

That this House notes with concern that local authorities currently lack sufficient powers to regulate the spread of gambling premises due to the statutory aim to permit duty set out in the Gambling Act 2005; further notes that this duty restricts councils’ ability to reject applications for new gambling venues even in areas already saturated with such establishments or where serious concerns have been raised by residents, police, or public health officials; is alarmed by the clustering of gambling venues in economically challenged communities, where they contribute to rising levels of poverty, debt, and mental health problems; recognises that gambling harm is a growing public health issue, with an estimated annual cost of £1.77 billion to the NHS and related services; and acknowledges the need for greater local democratic control over licensing decisions to better reflect the needs and wellbeing of local communities.