Consultation on draft Statement of Principles

Overview

Have your say on our refreshed draft Gambling Licensing Policy

Northumberland County Council is consulting on its draft Gambling Licensing Policy (its local ‘Statement of Principles’). We would like to hear from residents, businesses, community organisations, partner agencies and anyone with an interest in how gambling is regulated in Northumberland.

The consultation is open from 9 September 2026 until 16 October 2026.

What is the Statement of Principles?

Northumberland County Council is the licensing authority for gambling premises and certain other gambling activities in the county under the Gambling Act 2005.

The Statement of Principles explains how the Council proposes to carry out its gambling licensing functions. These include considering applications for gambling premises licences, issuing certain permits, dealing with notices and registering small society lotteries.

The Statement does not control every aspect of gambling. For example, the Gambling Commission is responsible for licensing and regulating gambling operators and individuals, including most online gambling operators. When carrying out its functions, the Council must have regard to the three licensing objectives:

1. Preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, being associated with crime or disorder, or being used to support crime.
2. Ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way.
3. Protecting children and other vulnerable people from being harmed or exploited by gambling.

Why are we consulting?

The Council is required to review and publish its Statement of Principles periodically. Before adopting the revised Statement, we want to understand whether it appropriately reflects the law, national guidance and relevant local circumstances.

Available evidence suggests that gambling-related harm can affect individuals, families and communities. Its effects can include financial difficulties and impacts on mental and physical health, housing, relationships and employment.

The draft Statement therefore considers gambling-related harm as an important public health issue. It sets out how the Council will use its gambling licensing functions, within the powers available to it, to promote the licensing objectives and help protect children and other vulnerable people.

You can comment on all or part of the draft Statement. Please provide reasons or supporting evidence where possible.

If you need the consultation material in another format or require assistance to respond, contact licensing@northumberland.gov.uk.

Read the draft Statement

Read the draft Gambling Statement of Principles

Responses must be received by 16 October 2026.