Prime Minister commits to gambling shop reforms following campaign by Brent

Brent has welcomed a new government commitment to reform gambling laws, scrap the outdated “Aim to Permit” rule and give local communities more control over the future of their high streets.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has committed to scrap the outdated “Aim to Permit” rule in the Gambling Act 2005, require planning permission for new Adult Gaming Centres and vape shops, and give police and councils tougher powers to close rogue businesses for longer.

Brent has more than 80 gambling venues, including in Harlesden where there are 10 betting shops within a 10-minute walk, despite fierce local opposition from residents and councillors. The council has repeatedly warned that high streets should be shaped by the needs of residents and local businesses, not by planning and licensing loopholes that compel councils to approve new shops and leave communities feeling powerless.

At a meeting of Full Council in July 2026, Brent formally declared a Gambling Harms Emergency, recognising the impact of gambling on public health, community safety and inequality. A new borough-wide Gambling Harms Strategy will be published later this year. The declaration reflected Brent’s view that residents should not be forced to watch their high streets become increasingly dominated by gambling venues while councils have too little power to intervene.

In April 2025, Brent Council brought together more than 40 councils and mayors from across the country – including Andy Burnham in his former role as Mayor of Greater Manchester – to call for reform of the Gambling Act 2005 and stronger powers to refuse gambling premises where local evidence shows they could increase harm, crime, anti-social behaviour.

Later that year, Brent sponsored High Streets at Stake, a report by the Social Market Foundation which called for urgent reforms to restore local control over the spread of Adult Gaming Centres on Britain’s high streets.

The report recommended reviewing the “Aim to Permit” rule, giving councils stronger licensing tools, closing loopholes that allow Adult Gaming Centres to open under other licence types, and ensuring communities have a meaningful say over what opens in their area.

Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council, said: “This is fantastic news for every community that has said enough is enough, and a huge campaign win for Brent.

“For too long, councils have had one hand tied behind their backs when residents have raised serious concerns about the spread of gambling venues on their high streets. Brent has been clear: local people should have the power to shape the places where they live, shop and spend time.

“We worked with councils and mayors across the country, commissioned reports and called repeatedly for the ‘Aim to Permit’ rule to be scrapped because the current system is not working for communities.

“The Government has listened. These proposed changes would help restore local democracy, protect vulnerable residents and give councils the tools they need to support healthier, safer and more vibrant high streets.”