To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what funding the Government are providing to local authorities to cover the (a) implementation costs and (b) ongoing costs associated with the Gambling Act 2005; and whether the New Burdens principle applies. (78301)

The Spending Review 2002 included provision for a number of new burdens on local authorities during the spending review period, including the set up costs of the licensing scheme to be established under the Gambling Act 2005. The funding was included within general grant. This is unhypothecated provision and local authorities are responsible for decisions on the use of that funding.

The net additional cost to local authorities of the ongoing costs associated with the Gambling Act 2005 will be met from the fee arrangements. The Department will consult fully on the fees that local authorities may charge with a view to these fully meeting their efficient costs.