Councillor Ajda Ovat, Cabinet Member for Communities, approved the commencement of a six-week public consultation on Haringey's draft Statement of Gambling Policy for 2025-2028. This policy review is a statutory requirement and aims to address the impacts of gambling harm within the borough, particularly on vulnerable residents.

Consultation on Draft Statement of Gambling Policy

Councillor Ajda Ovat approved the initiation of a six-week public consultation on the draft Statement of Gambling Policy for 2025-2028. This policy is due for review as the current one, adopted in January 2021, expires. The review is also prompted by expected changes from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) and the Gambling Commission, following a review of gambling laws.

The draft policy includes enhanced information on the socio-economic makeup of Haringey and the impacts of gambling harm. A supplementary document, the Local Area Profile, highlights how high street gambling premises can affect vulnerable and 'at-risk' areas of the borough. The Council believes it is necessary to manage the impact of gambling facilities in areas where vulnerable residents are at increased risk of gambling harm. While the policy identifies areas generally considered inappropriate for new gambling establishments due to high risk of harm, the Gambling Act 2005 still requires the Council to aim to permit applications.

The decision to proceed with the consultation was made to comply with the Gambling Act 2005, which mandates a review and consultation on the gambling policy every three years. The Council will also renew its resolution, first made in 2007, not to issue any casino licences for the next three years. The consultation aims to gather views from interested parties to inform any necessary changes to the policy. No alternative options were considered, as reviewing the policy and conducting public consultation are statutory requirements. Failure to do so would render the Council's decisions on gambling premises licences ultra vires and could lead to judicial challenges.

Following the consultation, a further report will be presented to the Cabinet in October 2024 to consider the consultation outcomes and recommend the final policy for adoption by Full Council in December 2024.