Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the Written Statement of 2 September 2026, HCWS302, on Restoring Pride in High Streets, whether a wider assessment has been made of the effect of the deregulatory provisions in the Gambling Act 2005.

Since the Gambling Act 2005 was implemented, the Government and the Gambling Commission have continually reviewed the provisions contained within it, such as through the 2023 White Paper. The white paper led to major reforms such as the introduction of the Statutory Gambling Levy in April 2025 and Gambling Impact Assessments this year.

The Written Statement of 2 September 2026, sets out the Government's intention to remove the ‘aim to permit’ principle in gambling licensing. This proposal builds on our introduction of Gambling Impact Assessments and will empower local authorities to make evidence-based decisions on the makeup of their high streets, in line with local priorities.