The UK government has scrapped the 'aim to permit' principle in the Gambling Act 2005, giving councils and communities greater power over the opening of new gambling venues. The change, announced on Monday, ends a presumption that gambling premises should be permitted, which had limited councils' ability to say no.
A long campaign for change
Labour MP Dawn Butler, who led the campaign, said the change is a 'huge victory' for London and communities nationwide. She started her campaign in 2021 after discovering that the 'aim to permit' principle stripped local people of power and let the industry expand unchecked.
Butler took a minister to Harlesden high street, launched a petition, and organised a cross-party letter backed by more than 280 MPs, councillors, mayors, and gambling reform advocates, including Andy Burnham. She also raised the issue at prime minister's questions and led a debate.
Impact on communities
In Brent, where Butler is MP, gambling premises outnumber supermarkets in 17 of 22 wards, with 81 licensed venues. Higher-stakes B3 machines generate an average of £35,000 in gross yield per machine each year, more than the £26,400 annual earnings of a full-time worker on the national living wage.
A 2023 report estimated between 117 and 496 gambling-related suicides in England each year. Butler highlighted organisations such as Gambling with Lives and Gambling Harm UK, whose expertise helped make the case for reform.
Next steps for residents
Butler urged residents to use the new powers to hold councils to account and shape their neighbourhoods. 'Our high streets should work for local people – not for companies profiting from harm,' she said.
