Betting Shops Again

Unfortunately, Newham lost its test case on betting shops that I alluded to a few days ago.  The lead member in Newham goes into the reasons here.  The frustrating thing here is that the public overwhelmingly want a reduction in these kind of outlets, but the regulations work in such a way that it is incredibly hard for local authorities to deliver on their wishes.

Nick Boles, the Tory minister responsible, seems quite relaxed about betting shops spreading all over the place.  I concede there is half a point in wanting to avoid empty shops, but surely that is the kind of decision that should be made locally rather than by a central government minister? Harlesden Town Centre, for instance, has an occupancy rate above the national average, so no pressing need to lower standards to get more shops in.  The problems are more around low margins and the types of shops.  People complain about too many betting shops and chicken shops.  Surely authorities like Brent should be given the ability to listen to their wishes.