Overview

This bill aims to control the number of betting shops in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland by requiring planning permission for new ones and allowing local authorities to limit their density.

Description

The Betting Shops Bill amends the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 and the Gambling Act 2005. It introduces a new planning use class specifically for betting shops, meaning that opening a new betting shop will require planning permission. This allows local planning authorities to assess the local demand for betting shops before granting permission and to cap the number of betting shops in any given area. The Secretary of State must also create and publish guidance for licensing authorities on how to implement these changes. This guidance is subject to parliamentary approval and can be revised, with revisions again requiring parliamentary approval.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. The costs will likely relate to the administrative burden on local planning authorities in processing planning applications and the development and publication of the licensing guidance by the Secretary of State. There may be indirect costs to local authorities in terms of enforcement.

Groups Affected

• Local Planning Authorities: Will have increased responsibilities in assessing planning applications for betting shops and enforcing limitations on their numbers.
• Betting Shop Operators: Will face stricter regulations when opening new betting shops or expanding existing ones, potentially limiting their growth and profitability.
• Local Communities: May experience reduced density of betting shops in their areas if local authorities choose to limit their numbers, which may be viewed positively or negatively depending on local concerns.
• The Secretary of State: Responsible for issuing and revising licensing guidance, incurring associated administrative costs.

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