Readers have responded to recent reports on betting shop regulation, with warnings that councils will lose planning powers and that curbing high-street betting could fuel illegal online gambling.
Planning powers under threat
Roger Cornwell from Durham says a national scheme of delegation, due to take effect on 31 October, will remove the ability of council leaders and planning committees to determine most planning applications, including changes of use for betting shops. Instead, these decisions will be delegated to officers, and elected members and parish councils will lose the power to call controversial applications to committee.
Cornwell argues the decision is contrary to the government's stated enthusiasm for local decision-making and says it is not too late to reverse it.
Betting shop numbers down
Alan Knight from Oxford says the notion that betting shops are proliferating is a myth, noting their number has fallen by more than a third since 2019. He describes betting shops as well-regulated enterprises that contribute to the exchequer and serve as centres of local sociability.
Knight acknowledges problem gambling exists but draws a comparison with problem drinking, which is not solved by closing pubs. He warns that further restrictions on legal high-street betting would fuel illegal online gambling.
A councillor's experience
Katrina Kerr, a borough councillor for Chester city centre, describes her opposition to a slots outlet application on a main shopping street. The location was opposite a children's shop, on a walking route to at least three schools, next to the main nightclub, and an area frequented by students.
Despite a strong case based on protection of children and vulnerable people, backed by campaign help and numerous protests, the licensing panel approved the application. Kerr says the decision left her in tears, and she welcomes Andy Burnham's proposals, noting that in future such an application would not make it through planning.
