Town hall chiefs call for councils to have power to restrict number of bookies

Councils must be given new powers to restrict the number of betting shops in their areas, the Local Government Association will tell MPs today.

In a statement issued before a hearing session of the Culture, Media and Sport select committee, the LGA said councils were concerned at the negative impact to high streets “from a takeover of late night bars, off licences, fast food takeaways and bookies”, but lacked the powers to intervene.

The situation is causing misery for local people, it claimed. The Association pointed to problems in Hackney, where there are eight betting shops on just one street. This increased poverty in the community, the LGA said.

It also highlighted issues in Liverpool, where there have been concerns at the negative impact on public health and crime of high numbers of takeaways and drinking venues.

“No powers currently exist for local people to cap the numbers of premises they haven't sought for their local area,” the LGA said.

The Association also suggested that “complicated and costly” planning rules were stopping councils taking control of their high streets.

According to the LGA, councils can only act to stop betting shops setting up by giving a year’s notice of plans – otherwise they may have to pay out compensation.

Cllr David Parsons, Chair of the LGA’s Environment and Housing Board, was expected to tell MPs on the CMS select committee: "The government must give councils new powers to stop betting shops setting up if they are likely to cause a public nuisance. The same applies to places which have been taken over by fast food takeaways, strip clubs and late night bars.

"At the moment, numbers cannot be restricted and this results in crime, disorder and misery for local people. The government should look to tackle this issue.”

Cllr Parsons was also going to call for planning rules to be addressed, saying that they were tying up councils from acting. “These concerns are shared widely and this problem is not limited to disadvantaged areas. We are seeing a reckless gamble with our high streets which is contributing to higher policing and health costs, in addition to reducing the quality of life for local residents".

The CMS select committee is holding a review into the Gambling Act 2005 and its effectiveness in protecting children and vulnerable people from the adverse effects of gambling.