The UK Government must take action to address the issue of gambling related harm.

According to statistics provided by the House of Commons Library, there are an estimated 280,000 problem gamblers in Scotland and England.

I have been campaigning for the money from dormant betting accounts to be used by the UK Government and given to assist those individuals and families who have been affected by gambling related harm.

I received a response letter, having raised the issue with the Prime Minister indicating, the Secretary of State for Culture
has taken on board the recommendations of the Use of Dormant Betting Accounts Report.

The UK Government must take the much needed action to address the issue of gambling related harm and provide the necessary funding and  support to those individuals and families that have been affected.

They cannot avoid or stall on their responsibility and commitment to provide the support for those hit by gambling related harm and distance  their links when it comes to dealing with the gambling industry.

I hope to continue to address the issue of gambling related harm by raising the matter further at Westminster and at the upcoming.

All-party parliamentary group (APPG) on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals which meets at Westminster, next week.

I welcomed further measures being put in-place to support those with Gambling related harm.

From 6 April 2016 bookmakers and other licenced gambling premises must conduct a local area risk assessment for each of their premises to ensure that suitable controls and procedures are in place to protect vulnerable people.

I welcome any measures being put in-place which leads to further responsible gambling and provides assistance to those with gambling related harm.

It’s vital support is readily available and the introduction of a local area risk assessment for each of their premises to ensure that suitable controls and procedures are in place to protect vulnerable people is to be welcomed.

I continue to press the case for action to be taken on dormant betting accounts and to support those individuals and families who have been affected by gambling.

Picture attributed to Matthew Powell