Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the Office for Statistics Regulation's review, published on 11 September 2024, of the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities's report entitled The economic and social cost of harms associated with gambling in England, published on 11 January 2023 report, whether she has had discussions with the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities on the accuracy of its report.

The Government is committed to reviewing all official reports that assess gambling harm and its impact in the United Kingdom when making future policy decisions. This includes the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities’ (OHID’s) report entitled ‘The economic and social cost of harms associated with gambling in England,’ published on 11 January 2023. Relevant DCMS and OHID officials have met to discuss the report and continue to engage about the evidence OHID provides on gambling harm and its impact.

We are aware that the impacts that can ensue from harmful gambling are diverse and can be difficult to measure. Developing quality evidence is a key priority for the statutory gambling levy, and 20% of funding will be directed towards high-quality, independent research to fill gaps in the evidence base. We will continue to monitor developments in the evidence base and take action where appropriate.