Forum topic: New gambling arcade successfully fought off... in Waltham Forest

Discussion of the proliferation of gambling premises on high streets starts 2 hours 56 minutes into this recording of Mayor's Question Time

In reponse to a question from the assembly member for Enfield & Haringey, the Mayor of London has undertaken to lobby the relevant government department to make it easier for councils to reject planning applications for new high street gambling premises.

When raising the matter at Mayor's Question Time on 15th July, Joanne McCartney AM made reference to last month's protest in Green Lanes organised by StopPGMerkurSlots that she had attended, along with London Assembly colleague Sian Bailey and Bambos Charalambous MP.

During discussion of the mayor's High Streets for All recovery mission, the local assembly member pointed out that the Government’s current ‘aim to permit’ guidance makes it harder for councils to reject planning applications for gambling premises. In response, Sadiq Khan provided his assurances that he would look into submitting a joint response with the chair of the body which represents all London councils to lobby the department for culture, media and sport (DCMS) to reverse this guidance.

The inadequacy of local councils' powers to restrict the number of gambling premises was last year highlighted in a report issued by a House of Lords committee.

Commenting on the issue, Joanne McCartney said:

“Our high streets have been hit hard by the pandemic, but as we plan for our economic recovery, we must ensure that we help them to bounce back in a way that benefits the whole community.

“Having endless numbers of betting shops and arcades stifles the social fabric of our high streets and I am concerned to see yet another one set to open in Palmers Green.

“The current guidance set down by Government makes it very difficult for councils to reject applications for new gambling premises and this has to change.

“I was very pleased that the Mayor has now confirmed that he will make joint representations with London Councils on this issue”.