Asked by: David Lammy (Labour - Tottenham)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what financial provision his Department has made for the (a) research, (b) education and (c) treatment of problem gambling in each year to 2020; and if he will estimate the amount of funding provided by the gambling industry for such activities in each such year.
Answered by David Evennett
The Responsible Gambling Strategy Board (RGSB), was set up to by the Gambling Commission to advise on priorities for research, education and training (RET) relating to responsible gambling. The Responsible Gambling Trust (RGT) an independent charity, then commissions research into gambling related harm and funds education and treatment programmes, taking into account the priorities set out by the RGSB.
It is a requirement on all gambling licence holders to make an annual financial contribution to one or more organisations that perform research, education or training for gambling-related harm. The vast majority choose to make that contribution to the Responsible Gambling Trust, which has raised £7.5 million in 2016 (unaudited); £6.5 million in 2015; £6.3 million in 2014; £5.7 million in 2013; £5.2 million in 2012; £5 million in 2011 (each year relates to the previous 12 months to 31 March). RGT’s accounts for these years are available on the Charity Commission website and include the breakdown of expenditure between research, treatment and harm prevention.
RGT is committed to working with RGSB to estimate the cost of the education activities identified in the recently published National Responsible Gambling Strategy, 2016-19, that will be expected to raise from businesses who profit from commercial gambling in Britain.
The Responsible Gambling Trust has published a number of research reports into FOBTs since 2010, which are available on the RGT website: http://www.responsiblegamblingtrust.org.uk/research/research-publications/
Further RGT commercial and independent research on Category B Gaming Machines was published on 24 May, and can be found here http://www.responsiblegamblingtrust.org.uk/research/research-publications/
Asked by: David Lammy (Labour - Tottenham)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what research on the effect of fixed odds betting terminals his Department has (a) commissioned, (b) carried out and (c) assessed from external sources since 2010; and whether his Department plans to carry out or commission any further such research.
Answered by David Evennett
The Responsible Gambling Strategy Board (RGSB), was set up to by the Gambling Commission to advise on priorities for research, education and training (RET) relating to responsible gambling. The Responsible Gambling Trust (RGT) an independent charity, then commissions research into gambling related harm and funds education and treatment programmes, taking into account the priorities set out by the RGSB.
It is a requirement on all gambling licence holders to make an annual financial contribution to one or more organisations that perform research, education or training for gambling-related harm. The vast majority choose to make that contribution to the Responsible Gambling Trust, which has raised £7.5 million in 2016 (unaudited); £6.5 million in 2015; £6.3 million in 2014; £5.7 million in 2013; £5.2 million in 2012; £5 million in 2011 (each year relates to the previous 12 months to 31 March). RGT’s accounts for these years are available on the Charity Commission website and include the breakdown of expenditure between research, treatment and harm prevention.
RGT is committed to working with RGSB to estimate the cost of the education activities identified in the recently published National Responsible Gambling Strategy, 2016-19, that will be expected to raise from businesses who profit from commercial gambling in Britain.
The Responsible Gambling Trust has published a number of research reports into FOBTs since 2010, which are available on the RGT website: http://www.responsiblegamblingtrust.org.uk/research/research-publications/
Further RGT commercial and independent research on Category B Gaming Machines was published on 24 May, and can be found here http://www.responsiblegamblingtrust.org.uk/research/research-publications/
Asked by: David Lammy (Labour - Tottenham)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what funding his Department has provided for the (a) research, (b) education and (c) treatment of problem gambling in each year since 2010; and if he will estimate the level of funding provided by the gambling industry for such activities in each of those years.
Answered by David Evennett
The Responsible Gambling Strategy Board (RGSB), was set up to by the Gambling Commission to advise on priorities for research, education and training (RET) relating to responsible gambling. The Responsible Gambling Trust (RGT) an independent charity, then commissions research into gambling related harm and funds education and treatment programmes, taking into account the priorities set out by the RGSB.
It is a requirement on all gambling licence holders to make an annual financial contribution to one or more organisations that perform research, education or training for gambling-related harm. The vast majority choose to make that contribution to the Responsible Gambling Trust, which has raised £7.5 million in 2016 (unaudited); £6.5 million in 2015; £6.3 million in 2014; £5.7 million in 2013; £5.2 million in 2012; £5 million in 2011 (each year relates to the previous 12 months to 31 March). RGT’s accounts for these years are available on the Charity Commission website and include the breakdown of expenditure between research, treatment and harm prevention.
RGT is committed to working with RGSB to estimate the cost of the education activities identified in the recently published National Responsible Gambling Strategy, 2016-19, that will be expected to raise from businesses who profit from commercial gambling in Britain.
The Responsible Gambling Trust has published a number of research reports into FOBTs since 2010, which are available on the RGT website: http://www.responsiblegamblingtrust.org.uk/research/research-publications/
Further RGT commercial and independent research on Category B Gaming Machines was published on 24 May, and can be found here http://www.responsiblegamblingtrust.org.uk/research/research-publications/
Asked by: David Lammy (Labour - Tottenham)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how many gambling licenses were issued for premises in (a) Tottenham and (b) Greater London in each year between 2010 and 2016.
Answered by David Evennett
The requested information is not held centrally. Local authorities are responsible for the issuing of gambling premises licences, in accordance with the Licensing Objectives and their own Statement of Licensing Policy. Local Authority license registers listing the number of licences in each borough are available to access by the public. The Gambling Commission estimates there are around 2,800 licences in operation in the greater London area, based on feedback from Local Authorities. Haringey Borough Council’s licensing register can be found at the following address: http://www.haringey.gov.uk/business/licensing-and-regulations/licensing/licensing-register
Asked by: David Lammy (Labour - Tottenham)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how many gambling licenses were in effect in (a) Tottenham and (b) Greater London (i) in 2010 and (ii) on the most recent date for which figures are available.
Answered by David Evennett
The requested information is not held centrally. Local authorities are responsible for the issuing of gambling premises licences, in accordance with the Licensing Objectives and their own Statement of Licensing Policy. Local Authority license registers listing the number of licences in each borough are available to access by the public. The Gambling Commission estimates there are around 2,800 licences in operation in the greater London area, based on feedback from Local Authorities. Haringey Borough Council’s licensing register can be found at the following address: http://www.haringey.gov.uk/business/licensing-and-regulations/licensing/licensing-register
Asked by: David Lammy (Labour - Tottenham)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions his Department has had with Ofcom on diversity in the broadcasting sector; what further steps he expects Ofcom to take to secure improvements in diversity in that sector; and whether he plans to encourage Ofcom to make use of its powers under Section 27 of the Communications Act 2003 and other relevant legislation.
Answered by Lord Vaizey of Didcot
My Department has discussed diversity in broadcasting with Ofcom who are very much engaged in this important area of work. Last year Ofcom and the Equality and Human Rights Commission jointly published legal guidance in the report ‘Thinking outside the box’ which aimed to help those in the broadcasting industry to take action to increase diversity with confidence. Ofcom is currently developing an integrated online resource for industry, in collaboration with the Equality and Human Rights Commission, Creative Diversity Network and other partners.
Ofcom is also considering a number of the proposals suggested by individuals and organisations interested in improving diversity across the broadcasting sector in light of its role under Section 27, and other legislation, and will engage further with industry once their plan is fully developed.
Asked by: David Lammy (Labour - Tottenham)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if he will encourage the Football Association to ensure an equitable agreement is reached for both Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea to play their games at Wembley Stadium while their stadia are being redeveloped.
Answered by Tracey Crouch
The use of Wembley Stadium is a contractual matter between private companies but I understand The FA are in active discussions with both clubs. I would encourage both Tottenham and Chelsea to maintain an active dialogue with The FA on how best to achieve thisgoal, with a view to supporting the redevelopment of both clubs' grounds.
Asked by: David Lammy (Labour - Tottenham)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether the research being conducted by Lincoln University on fixed odds betting terminals will assess the potentially addictive nature of those machines.
Answered by Lord Vaizey of Didcot
The Responsible Gambling Trust (RGT) has commissioned a wide-ranging research programme into category B2 gaming machines which is due to be published in the Autumn. This research will seek to understand what measures might limit harmful play without impacting on those who do not exhibit harmful behaviours and the RGT has commissioned the University of Lincoln to determine whether gambling at higher stakes is a risk factor for gambling-related harm and to explore the impact of higher stakes and prizes on players.Asked by: David Lammy (Labour - Tottenham)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether the research being conducted by Lincoln University on fixed odds betting terminals will help determine an appropriate stake level for those machines.
Answered by Lord Vaizey of Didcot
The Responsible Gambling Trust (RGT) has commissioned a wide-ranging research programme into category B2 gaming machines which is due to be published in the Autumn. This research will seek to understand what measures might limit harmful play without impacting on those who do not exhibit harmful behaviours and the RGT has commissioned the University of Lincoln to determine whether gambling at higher stakes is a risk factor for gambling-related harm and to explore the impact of higher stakes and prizes on players.Asked by: David Lammy (Labour - Tottenham)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how many libraries in Greater London have (a) closed and (b) reduced opening hours since May 2010.
Answered by Lord Vaizey of Didcot
The detail requested is not held centrally by this Department, however the Annual Report to Parliament published in January this year indicated our estimate of static library closures in England since the beginning of 2010, is around 90. While the number of public libraries has reduced there has been a notable growth in the number of libraries managed or run by the community. The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) collect, annually, from the individual library authorities, public library statistics which contain information relating to the net figure of public libraries open in each year, as well as the number and type of libraries and the average hours of opening per week. This shows the number of library service points open 10+ hours per week in England (incl. mobiles) at 31 March 2013 was 3,181. However, CIPFA do not collect data on the number of library closures or those that have reduced their opening hours. Copies of CIPFA statistics are available in the libraries of both Houses.