Have your say on Northumberland’s draft Gambling Licensing Policy

Northumberland County Council is consulting on its refreshed draft Gambling Licensing Policy, known as its local Statement of Principles. The council wants 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 sets out how the council proposes to carry out its gambling licensing functions, including considering applications for gambling premises licences, issuing certain permits, dealing with notices and registering small society lotteries.

The Statement does not cover every aspect of gambling regulation. The Gambling Commission remains responsible for licensing and regulating gambling operators and individuals, including most online gambling operators.

In carrying out its functions, the council must have regard to 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 is the council consulting?

The council is required to review and publish its Statement of Principles periodically. Ahead of adopting the revised Statement, it wants to understand whether it appropriately reflects the law, national guidance and local circumstances.

Gambling-related harm can affect individuals, families and communities, with impacts on finances, mental and physical health, housing, relationships and employment. The draft Statement treats gambling-related harm as an important public health issue, setting out how the council will use its licensing functions to promote the licensing objectives and help protect children and other vulnerable people.

Residents can comment on all or part of the draft Statement, and are encouraged to provide reasons or supporting evidence where possible.

Anyone needing the consultation material in another format, or requiring assistance to respond, can contact licensing@northumberland.gov.uk.

Have your say

Read the draft Gambling Statement of Principles

Give your comments via Have Your Say Northumberland

Responses must be received by 16 October 2026.