Council motion calls for urgent gambling reform
Friday 12 September 2025: Hillingdon Council will join a coalition of more than 40 councils to lobby government for much-needed changes to gambling legislation, seeking increased powers to regulate high street betting and protect vulnerable residents.
The council currently has limited powers to stop new gaming centres opening or close them if they are having a negative impact on the community.
The cross-party coalition of councils campaigning for changes to the regulations have clear demands:
- place all gambling premises within a single planning use class to give councils more control over local development
- require local authorities to consider health and social impacts when making licensing decisions
- introduce a statutory levy on gambling operators to fund treatment and education related to gambling harm
- implement stricter controls on gambling advertising and promotions.
Cllr Eddie Lavery, Hillingdon Council's Cabinet Member for Community and Environment said: "We hope our residents welcome this motion and our unified commitment to protect them from gambling-related harm.
"This is not a call for a full ban, we believe adults should be able to place a bet if they want to, but a request to the government to step up and make changes to legislation that will give councils the power to decide what's best for their residents.
"The Licensing Act currently limits our ability to control where new adult gaming centres, slot machines and betting shops open.
"We're committed to ensuring the borough is a safe place to live and encourage business growth that enriches our high streets and residents' lives. By joining the coalition, we are seeking to increase our powers to act if needed."
During the Full Council meeting Cllr Curling said: "By supporting this motion, we send a clear message that Hillingdon has done its bit, and it's time for the government to step up, reform regulations and give local councils the powers we need to protect our communities."
