The Enfield Council leader has signed a letter to the government calling for measures including greater powers for local authorities to reject gambling licence applications

Gambling (credit Aidan Howe on Unsplash) and (inset) Ergin Erbil

The leader of Enfield Council has joined forces with over 35 other local leaders and campaign groups to call on the government to urgently reform gambling laws “that fail to protect communities from harm”.

In an open letter the coalition of councils, representing over twelve million people across the UK, has outlined six key demands to reform the Gambling Act 2005.

The letter, led by Brent Council and endorsed by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Gambling Reform, highlights the “devastating” social and financial impact of gambling harms on local communities and high streets.

The six demands include new powers for councils to reject gambling licence applications; a new categorisation of gambling premises, ensuring venues like bingo halls and adult gaming centres cannot bypass existing caps by splitting premises; local debt considerations in planning applications; greater oversight of the new statutory levy on gambling operators; a ban on gambling advertising; and an end to proposals that would expand adult gaming centres.

Backing the measures, Enfield Council leader Ergin Erbil said: “Gambling harms are not just about individual losses; they are a growing crisis affecting families, public health, and even local economies.

“Here in Enfield, we have seen firsthand how gambling venues are disproportionately targeting our most vulnerable residents, exacerbating debt, mental health struggles, and crime.”

Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy has already addressed the letter after being questioned about it in the House of Commons yesterday (Thursday 3rd).

Nandy said: “This government have introduced a landmark statutory gambling levy, which will be charged to gambling operators to fund the research, prevention and treatment of gambling harm. The levy will come into effect next week and will raise around £100million every year.

“We are also introducing stake limits in the coming weeks for online slot games, which were associated with a higher risk of harm for the first time. We know that gambling brings joy to many, but for those for whom it poses a problem, we are determined to offer all the support they need.”

Pushed on the harm caused by gambling advertising, Nandy added: “We believe, as a government, that advertising should be socially responsible. The minister for gambling has set the gambling industry a clear task to further raise standards to ensure that levels of gambling advertising do not exacerbate harm, and we will continue to review the evidence, including the very tragic case that my honourable friend talks about, to make sure we get that right.”

Cllr Erbil continued: “The government must empower councils to protect our communities. We need the ability to refuse licenses where there is clear evidence of harm. The prime minister has spoken about giving local leaders more control over their areas – this is exactly the kind of reform that would make a difference.”

The joint letter to Nandy was backed by leading figures, including Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and campaign groups such as Clean Up Gambling and the Coalition to End Gambling Ads.

“This is not about banning gambling outright,” Cllr Erbil added. “It’s about making sure communities have the tools to create safer, healthier environments for everyone.”

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