The Licensing and Regulatory Committee of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Thursday 3 September 2026. The committee discussed and considered a revised Statement of Gambling Licensing Policy.

Revised Statement of Gambling Licensing Policy

The main item of discussion was the draft revised Statement of Gambling Licensing Policy for 2026-2029. Nick Howard, the Environmental Health Service Manager, presented the report, explaining that the policy had undergone a public consultation period from 13 July to 24 August 2026. He noted that while most statutory consultees provided no comments, substantial responses were received from the Betting and Gaming Council and Public Health.

The consultation revealed that the majority of respondents supported the draft policy, finding it clear and easy to understand. However, 50% of respondents felt the policy did not go far enough to protect children and vulnerable people from gambling-related harm. A significant concern raised by the public was the perceived over-concentration of betting shops within the borough, a point acknowledged by officers as being beyond the council's direct licensing control under current legislation.

Key amendments made to the policy following consultation included a clarification on the council's role in promoting licensing objectives, ensuring that the responsibility lies with operators. A minor amendment was also incorporated from the Planning Department, suggesting that applicants demonstrate compliance with relevant planning policies.

Councillor Shamsul Azam raised questions regarding the sufficiency of the 16 consultation responses, the strategy for improving participation in future consultations, and specific actions planned to reduce gambling harm locally. He also inquired about engagement with schools and youth services.

In response, it was explained that 16 responses were considered a normal number for a gambling policy consultation, and that the majority of public comments focused on the number of betting shops, which is outside the council's remit to restrict based on demand. Over the next 12 months, the council plans to build an evidence base, review the prevalence of gambling premises, and further understand the severity of gambling harms within Barking and Dagenham. Engagement with schools and youth services will be part of a wider gambling harms programme.

Further questions were raised about the wording reasonably consistent in relation to licensing objectives, the meaning of promote in the context of licensing, and the potential impact of government announcements regarding the aim to permit policy. Officers clarified that reasonably consistent allows for pragmatic decision-making, and that promote refers to the operators' duty to uphold the licensing objectives. The potential removal of the aim to permit policy was noted as something the council would monitor.

Councillor Manjeet Nandra asked how the council monitors whether policy objectives are being achieved. The licensing officer explained that monitoring occurs through the scrutiny of applications, contact with licensed entities, and follow-up to complaints or proactive inspections. This proactive inspection is risk-based, with higher-risk premises receiving more attention.

The committee indicated agreement with the proposed changes, including the minor amendment from the planning department. The revised Statement of Gambling Licensing Policy is to be recommended for adoption by Cabinet and then the General Assembly.

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 8 July 2026 were noted as accepted. Apologies were received from Councillor Sohaib and Councillor Sami. No declarations of interest were made.