Lewisham Council has invited residents to share their views on a new Gambling Policy that will govern how the borough regulates gambling premises and aims to reduce gambling-related harm. The consultation, running for five weeks until Sunday, November 8, seeks feedback from gamblers and those affected by gambling harm to shape the final policy.
Consultation details and key focus areas
The council is required to review and publish its Gambling Policy at least every three years. The new policy for 2027-2030 will establish the principles applied when carrying out gambling licensing responsibilities under the Gambling Act 2005. The council is particularly keen to hear from people who gamble and those who have experienced gambling-related harm, as their feedback will help 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 vulnerable to gambling-related harm. "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," she said. "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."
Concerns over deprivation and gambling concentration
The proposals aim to strengthen the link between local evidence, operators' risk assessments, and licensing decisions. This comes amid concerns about the overconcentration of gambling premises in the borough's most deprived areas. The council has launched a borough-wide campaign calling for stronger national and local action around gambling harm.
The council notes that residents already facing disadvantage—including young adults, men, and those with mental health conditions—are at greater risk of experiencing gambling-related harm. Lewisham is within the top 20 per cent most deprived local authorities in England, with 47 gambling premises currently operating in the borough. The council estimates around 38,000 local people are affected by problem gambling, defined as gambling behaviour that damages the person or their family, often disrupting daily life and career.
Recent case highlights regulatory challenges
Earlier this summer, the council's refusal of a new adult gaming centre in Catford was overturned by the national Planning Inspectorate due to a strict 'aim to permit' rule in the Gambling Act. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to scrap this rule and give councils more control over the opening of vape shops and gambling centres. Merkur Slots will become Catford's fifth betting shop within a 400-metre radius, in a neighbourhood that is among England's most deprived and experiences high levels of anti-social behaviour, crime, fly-tipping, and traffic issues.
The consultation closes on Sunday, November 8. Residents can submit their views to help shape the final policy, which will then be considered by the council.
