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Written question asked by Lord Norton of Louth (Conservative) on Thursday, 19 March 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 2 April 2026. It was answered by Baroness Twycross (Labour) on Thursday, 26 March 2026 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Gambling: Taxation

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what safeguards are in place to ensure that research, education and treatment funded through the gambling levy are independent of influence by bodies in the gambling industry.

Answer

The Government recognises that trust in and independence of the levy system are crucial. We have appointed expert public bodies to lead on research, prevention and treatment of gambling related harm. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) and NHS England, together with appropriate bodies in Scotland and Wales, are responsible for day-to-day levy spending. These bodies have set up their own governance arrangements and conflict of interest policies to ensure these decisions are independent of industry and led by the evidence of what works.

Furthermore, the Gambling Levy Programme Board oversees the statutory levy system to ensure that funding is being spent appropriately and efficiently. The Terms of Reference for the Board can be found on GOV.UK.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL15767
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Education Finance Gambling Rehabilitation Research Taxation
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk