Lewisham launches consultation on new gambling policy

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 06:03 · Archive

Lewisham Council is consulting residents on a new Gambling Policy for 2027-2030 to regulate betting shops and reduce gambling-related harm.

Lewisham Council is consulting residents on its new Gambling Policy for 2027-2030, which will set out how the borough regulates gambling premises. The consultation runs for five weeks and particularly welcomes feedback from people who gamble and those affected by gambling-related harm. The council must review its Gambling Policy at least every three years under the Gambling Act 2005.

The borough has 47 betting shops, with concerns about their overconcentration in the most deprived areas. Cllr Leni Candan, Chair of the Licensing Committee, said the proposed policy has a stronger focus on protecting young people and those vulnerable to gambling-related harm. She stated: '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.'

The policy will set clearer expectations for gambling operators to identify local risks and explain steps to reduce potential harm. The council says its proposals will strengthen the link between local evidence, operators' risk assessments and licensing decisions. The plans follow the council launching a borough-wide campaign calling for stronger national and local action around gambling harm.

How it is being reported

• The borough with 47 betting shops - does Lewisham have a problem with gambling?Lewisham residents have been invited to share their views on the council's new Gambling Policy, which sets out how the borough will regulate gambling premises and reduce the risk of gambling-related harm.This Is Local London · 13 Oct, 05:00
• The borough with 47 betting shops - does Lewisham have a problem with gambling?Lewisham residents have been invited to share their views on the council's new Gambling Policy, which sets out how the borough will regulate gambling premises and reduce the risk of gambling-related harm.News Shopper · 13 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Lewisham Council · Lewisham · Leni Candan

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem