We set out our proposals for structuring the taxes earlier in the year, arguing for a smarter, fairer system of differentiated rates - that accounts for the different levels of harm associated with different gambling activities. www.smf.co.uk/publications...

Last year, our research found that just 1% of primary school teachers felt their students were adequately financially literate.

Read SMF's full response to the Curriculum and Assessment Review's recommendations: www.smf.co.uk/the-social-m...

✅ These reforms would ensure AGCs open only where communities believe they can play a positive role — while protecting the most vulnerable from harm.

Read the full paper 👇
🔗 buff.ly/cHEG43c

With thanks to the London Borough of Brent Council

To give local people real power over their High Streets, we’re calling on the Govt to scrap the “aim to permit” rule.

We also recommend:
• 💷 Removing the cap on licensing fees
• 🏛️ Giving councils more powers
• 🚫 Closing the AGC–bingo hall loophole

❓So, can local residents stop new AGCs from opening?

Not easily - the “aim to permit” rule in the Gambling Act means councils must generally approve licences, even when they clash with the Act’s protections against gambling harms.

⚠️ Evidence suggests AGCs can have negative effects — from potentially facilitating crime to a risk of encouraging gambling among young people.

Adult Gaming Centres (AGCs) have existed since 2005 — and their numbers are rising, with a 7% increase between 2022–24.

But what impact do they have on the neighbourhoods they open in? 🏘️