Residents are being asked to share their views on Lewisham Council’s new ‘gambling policy’ which sets out how the borough will regulate gambling premises and reduce the risk of gambling-related harm.
For the next five weeks, residents are being asked for their thoughts on Lewisham Council’s Gambling Policy for 2027-2030.
The council must review and publish its Gambling Policy at least every three years, which will establish the principles it will apply when carrying out gambling licensing responsibilities under the Gambling Act 2005.
The council is particularly interested in hearing from people who gamble, along with those who have been affected by gambling-related harm. Feedback received from the consultation will help to shape the final policy before it is considered by the council.
Cllr Leni Candan, Chair of the Licensing Committee and Evelyn ward councillor, said the proposed policy has a stronger focus on protecting young people and those who may be vulnerable to gambling-related harm.
Cllr Candan said: “Gambling affects people, families and communities in different ways, so it is important that our policy reflects as wide a range of local experiences as possible.
“It would also set clearer expectations for gambling operators to identify any local risks and explain the steps they will take to reduce the potential for harm.”
The council says its proposals will also strengthen the link between local evidence, operators’ risk assessments and licensing decisions.
The plans come amidst concerns surrounding the overconcentration of gambling premises within the borough’s most deprived areas. This has led the council to launch a borough-wide campaign which calls for stronger national and local action around gambling harm.
The council says residents who are already facing disadvantage who are at greater risk of harm – including young adults, men and those with mental health conditions – are more likely to experience gambling-related harm.
Lewisham is within the top 20 per cent most deprived local authorities in England and there are currently 47 gambling premises in the borough.
The council estimates around 38,000 local people are currently affected by problem gambling, which is defined as gambling behaviour that is damaging to a person or their family, often disrupting their daily life and career.
Earlier this summer, the council’s previous refusal for a new adult gaming centre in Catford was ultimately overturned by the national Planning Inspectorate due to a strict ‘aim to permit’ rule laid out in the Gambling Act.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to scrap the ‘aim to permit’ rule, and has vowed to give councils more control over the opening of vape shops and gambling centres.
Share your views here
The council’s consultation closes on Sunday, November 8.
