Councillor "delighted" that goverment will look again at betting regulations (From Haringey Independent)

Haringey's Councillor Canver "delighted" that goverment will look again at betting regulations

12:40pm Tuesday 25th September 2012 in News By Emma Innes

Haringey Labour party’s licensing chief has welcomed the government’s decision to look again at the regulation of high street betting shops.

Councillor Nilgun Canver was “delighted” to hear that the government will reconsider the rules around gambling machines on high streets.

Cllr Canver said: “I am delighted that the government has at least recognised the damage these high stakes gambling machines can do to people’s lives.

“I just hope that any further review of gambling regulations now looks at giving councils and residents real powers to stop more betting shops opening up on their local high streets.

“The Government always preach about giving more power to local communities – it’s time they put their words into action.”  

Cllr Canver made these comments after the government announced a new review of the number of machines, and the prize levels, permitted in high street betting shops.

This announcement has come despite recommendations by the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee that there should be further deregulation.

Cllr Canver has long been concerned about the dense clustering of betting shops in parts of Haringey and the impact this has upon the strength and vibrancy of the local economy.

She will now be writing to the government to ensure that any new review of gambling regulations includes giving more power to councils and local communities.