Issue - meetings

The Committee received a deputation in respect of the Council’s draft Gambling Policy.  The deputation stated that 20% of shop premises in Tottenham were now being used for gambling purposes.  This was bad for the area and they felt that it would not be tolerated in other areas of the borough.  There had previously been successful campaigns in some areas of the borough to stop betting shops but residents were not always aware of proposed new establishments.  

Gambling could cause harm to people in the community and, in some cases, could lead to debt and destitution.  Gambling had a particularly negative impact on young people and some premises were offering free refreshments to entice them in. Poorer communities were often targeted by operators as these were likely to provide the greatest profits. They were disappointed that a new establishment had been allowed to open in Tottenham recently, despite opposition from local people.

In answer to a question regarding how they wished the Council to respond further, the deputation stated that there had been no consultation with the local community regarding the proposed opening of new gambling premises in Tottenham and no consideration over whether it was wanted locally.  They felt that there was a need for the Council to be more ambitious in its approach.  In addition, they felt that more genuine consultation was required with residents. 

Committee Members stated that although gambling could be a blight on local communities, the Council had very limited powers to prevent establishments from opening.  It was not possible for the Council to just say that it did not want them.  Current legislation stated that there was an “aim to permit” and the Council and other local authorities had asked the government to remove this. 

The deputation responded that they were aware that local authorities had limited powers.  They already felt that they knew what the outcome of consultation on the issue would be and there was little chance of the Council stopping establishments from opening by using the law as it currently stood.  They felt that the Council could nevertheless make local people more aware when proposals were made to open establishments as well as what they could do if they objected to them. 

Committee Members stated that they shared the concerns of the deputation regarding the proliferation of gambling establishments and, in particular, the disproportionate number of these that there were in the more deprived parts of the borough.  Men from some Black and Minority Ethnic communities were also disproportionately affected by gambling. 

Councillor Ruth Gordon, the Cabinet Member for House Building, Place-Making and Development, reported that ward Councillors had objected robustly to a recent proposal to open a gambling establishment in Tottenham and the application had been turned down initially.  However, the application had been agreed when re-submitted by the applicant despite there being a number of objections.  Unlike the first time, the Police had not objected to the re-submitted application.  In addition, the application had not been noticed as much  ...  view the full minutes text for item 61