Council launches campaign to tackle gambling harm on our high streets
Lewisham is within the top 20 per cent most deprived local authorities in England and there are currently 47 gambling premises in the borough. Sadly, there are an estimated 38,000 local people currently affected by problem gambling. This is significant and costs the Council millions in financial, health and social-related support.
The Council recognises that gambling is a legitimate and regulated activity. However, recent local evidence highlights concerns about gambling-related harms and the overconcentration of gambling premises in some of the borough's most deprived areas. This can expose residents already facing disadvantage to greater risk of harm, with young adults, men and those with mental health conditions more likely to experience gambling-related harm. In South East London, more than 8 in 10 (82%) gambling venues are in areas with the highest crime rates.
Gambling harm affects far more people than just those who gamble. For every person experiencing high-risk gambling, an average of six others, including partners, family members and friends, are negatively affected through financial, emotional and relationship impacts. It's estimated that 1.6 million children in Great Britain live in households affected by problem gambling, with wider implications for health, safeguarding and community services.
Earlier this year, the Council refused permission for an adult gaming centre in the town centre but the decision was overturned on appeal by the national Planning Inspectorate earlier this year. This venue will be the fifth gambling premises to open in a 400-metre radius. Catford town centre is ranked among the most deprived areas in England and is experiencing high levels of anti-social behaviour, crime, traffic congestion and fly-tipping. Consequently, this decision has raised significant concerns locally and highlights how the current system prevents the Council’s ability to make planning decisions in their local area.
While the number of traditional betting shops has declined in recent years, gambling-related harm remains a significant and growing public health concern. The rapid expansion of online gambling, particularly through mobile phone apps, has increased the accessibility, convenience and intensity of gambling, exposing more individuals to potential harm. At the same time, despite the closure of many betting shops, adult gaming centres have expanded their presence on UK high streets and continue to open new venues. This changing gambling landscape presents new challenges for local communities and highlights the need for effective action to prevent and reduce gambling-related harms.
The Council is committed to building an inclusive, resilient local economy, with town centres that are occupied, support independent businesses and with an offer that reflects the diversity of our communities. High streets should be places for community value, not community harm.
The Council is joining a growing movement across London to tackle gambling harm and the overconcentration of gambling premises by launching a borough-wide campaign. The campaign will advocate for stronger national and local action, raise awareness of the risks and impacts of gambling, and ensure that residents affected by gambling harm, including family members and carers, are aware of and able to access appropriate support. It will also champion the interests of Lewisham residents and keep the community informed as the campaign progresses.
As part of this, the Council will:
- hold the Government to account on its promises to give councils the powers they need to shape their local areas and create thriving high streets
- make sure Lewisham's voices are heard by ministers and decision-makers as national policy changes and plans are put in place to devolve power and give communities greater control over high streets and town centres
Within the Council, we will:
- promote awareness of gambling-related harm and improve access to support for individuals, families and communities affected by gambling, helping to reduce inequalities and improve wellbeing
- revise and update our gambling and licensing policies to ensure decisions are evidence-based and informed by residents
- explore new high street powers to bring empty shops back into use and help shape the future of long-term vacant properties
Councillor Samantha Gardiner, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care said:
"We will do everything we can to protect our residents from gambling-related harm. It's unacceptable that gambling companies continue to target some of our most deprived areas, where people are already the most vulnerable to financial hardship and the mental and physical health impacts that can result from that.
“We want thriving high streets that support residents and families, not a further expansion of businesses that contribute to debt, poor mental health and wider social harms. I urge anyone who is opposed to more gambling premises in our borough to join our campaign and make your voice heard.”
Councillor Daniel Dream, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Regeneration, Planning and Housing Delivery said:
"As the local authority, we understand our communities, hear directly from residents and have a long-term vision for our town centres and high streets. Decisions about the future of our neighbourhoods should be shaped by local knowledge and local priorities, not imposed from afar.
This goes to the heart of local democracy. Communities expect their elected representatives to have a real say in shaping their high streets, and councils need the powers to make that happen."
Councillor Shireen Asaw, Cabinet Member for Workers, Business and Skills said:
"It’s vital that we protect our communities from gambling harm. We want high streets filled with businesses that create jobs, bring people in and serve local people. Too often, valuable sites are being taken over by betting shops that add no value to the wider community.
We will continue delivering on our commitment to improve our high streets, back local businesses and create more opportunities for local people – so Lewisham becomes a place we are all proud to live, work and visit."