London councils have intensified pressure on the city’s Mayor Sadiq Khan over his failure to deliver on a promise to eradicate gambling adverts from the capital’s underground network.
As the fallout from the budget continues to escalate, Khan may have hoped that the pressure for more restrictive measures on the industry would have diluted.
However, they only appear to be growing, as Barnet, Brent, Enfield, Hackney and Lewisham councils have all linked with the Coalition to End Gambling Ads (CEGA), as the rallying against Khan to ensure he keeps his manifesto pledge only elevates.
Removing gambling ads from the underground network was a promise issued by Khan as part of his reelection campaign in 2021. The Mayor has been accused of backtracking, however, as he has since stated he is awaiting the government to provide a “national framework to address the issue” before taking action.
Whilst Khan’s apparent reluctance has caused frustration and backlash amongst campaigners, there’s a rationale behind his delays. The London Mayor is seeking to secure a formal national definition of harmful gambling to cement sustainability for the changes – and give them the best possible chance to thwart any legal challenges.
Assembly Member Krupesh Hirano, who represents Brent and Harrow, emphasised to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that the Mayor requires a “robust enough policy” to withstand legal scrutiny from companies that will oppose the measure.
He added: “The Mayor has successfully managed to ban fast food ads on TfL – he’s able to do that because there’s verified health guidance from the Government. The same advice does not exist for gambling.
A spokesperson for the Mayor revealed to the LDRS that Khan will “urgently consider what action he can take” once the government has completed its review into addressing harmful gambling, including the impact of advertising.
Gambling advertising represents a significant source of income for TfL. Between April 2022 and March 2023 alone, the industry spent £663,640 on marketing on the tube network.
Any removal of that funding would likely lead to an increase in fares to make up the deficit.
However, what will continue to concern many political corners is the lack of a timeline around the definition of harmful gambling. Leaving those lobbying for the implementation of Khan’s manifesto pledge stuck in limbo.
Even when the definition is laid out by the industry, formal policy over advertising will then need to be ironed out by City Hall in London, which could delay the process by a further few months.
Pride In Place
A continuing effort from local authorities across the country is the placement and concentration of betting shops and adult gaming centres on the UK high street.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham put his backing behind calls for local authorities to have a greater say in the placement of such venues.
They also accuse gambling companies of targeting areas of less economic wealth.
Now, as part of wider reforms to help revitalise high streets, local councils will have a greater say through the Pride In Place programme, which includes a provision on decision-making on “Cumulative Impact Assessments in gambling licensing”, influencing gambling outlets’ location and density in local communities.
Under section 97, the programme states: “This will allow local authorities to take data-driven decisions on premises licences, particularly in areas that have been identified as being vulnerable to gambling-related harm.
“This will empower local authorities to better shape their high streets and neighbourhoods, and to ensure a healthy mix of premises in their town and city centres.”
