Briefings and responses

Many councils have concerns about the impact of clustering of betting shops on their areas, as well as the associated numbers of Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs).

We are calling for the Government to deliver on its commitment to hold a triennial review of machine stakes.

The LGA has responded to the call for evidence in the Government’s Review of gaming machines and social responsibility measures. The LGA’s response calls for maximum FOBT stakes to be reduced to £2, and for councils to have greater powers to limit the numbers of gambling premises in their areas.

The LGA welcomed the appointment of a House of Lords Select Committee to investigate the effectiveness of the Licensing Act 2003 and the insight that the Committee’s work has provided in a number of areas.

The LGA welcomes this Bill which would make it easier for licensing authorities to access vital background information about drivers seeking a licence in their areas

Key messages  

This response is focused solely on the key strategic challenge facing trading standards as a local government service.

We have long-called for the existing outdated taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) licensing laws to be updated and strengthened.

The LGA has called for the Government to introduce a mandatory levy on the gambling industry to fund research, education and treatment. This view is supported by other organisations, including GambleAware, the charity responsible for minimising gambling-related harm.

It is crucial that these regulations come into effect ahead of summer parliamentary recess, which will provide councils with additional time to consider applications for licences extending beyond September 2021.