Barking and Dagenham Council to update gambling policy

Barking and Dagenham Council is preparing to implement a revised gambling policy designed to prioritise the prevention of harm and the improvement of public health. This initiative follows significant concern voiced by residents regarding the prevalence of gambling establishments across the borough.

Resident Concerns Over Shop Numbers

Residents have expressed worries that an excessive number of gambling shops are operating in Barking and Dagenham. During a public consultation, one individual stated that it is possible to encounter a gambling shop every 100 metres in Barking. Another resident noted that these shops are often situated in areas with high deprivation, suggesting a link between poverty and the concentration of betting premises. Concerns were also raised about these establishments operating at all hours.

Council figures indicate that there are currently 42 betting shops, adult gaming centres, and bingo halls within Barking and Dagenham. Of these, 11 are located in Barking town centre, an area identified in the council's draft licensing policy as having high levels of poverty and the borough's highest crime rate. Heathway in Dagenham, another area with a high concentration of gambling venues, is described as one of the borough's most impoverished areas.

Industry Response and Policy Aims

The Betting and Gaming Council, representing the gambling industry, has stated that betting shops contribute to local economies by supporting 42,000 jobs nationally and generating significant tax revenue. A statement on behalf of the council highlighted that betting shops contribute £800 million annually in tax to the Treasury and £60 million in business rates to local authorities. The industry body also noted that the vast majority of individuals gamble responsibly.

The council aims for its updated gambling policy to strike a balance between supporting the local economy and entertainment offerings, while simultaneously protecting residents from gambling-related harm. The proposed changes signal a shift from a predominantly licensing-focused approach to one that emphasises harm prevention and public health. New applications for gambling premises licences will require businesses to demonstrate how they will mitigate local risks, particularly in areas with higher levels of deprivation.

Next Steps

Councillors are scheduled to review the new policy at a licensing and regulatory committee meeting next Thursday. The council can only refuse a premises licence if it contravenes the legal objectives of preventing crime and disorder, ensuring fair and open gambling, and protecting vulnerable individuals.