Third sector organisations in the UK including GambleAware have welcomed the government’s latest move regarding the statutory levy for gambling companies to support harm prevention, research and treatment.

The Labour government has appointed the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities in the Department of Health and Social Care to be the lead commissioner for gambling harm prevention.

Gambling minister Baroness Twycross and the parliamentary under-secretary of state for Culture, Media and Sport, Stephanie Peacock, confirmed in the House of Commons that an increased 30 per cent of levy funding will go towards the prevention stream, alongside the allocated funding for research and treatment.

“I am clear that the third sector will continue to play a key role in the future of research, prevention and treatment, but we now need a sustainable and equitable funding system so that all licensed gambling operators are paying their fair share,” said Baroness Twycross.

“The levy provides us with an opportunity and the resources to put in place the right projects and services, clear objectives and robust governance.”

GambleAware, Ygam and GamCare all welcomed the news.

GambleAware chief executive Zoë Osmond and professor Siân Griffiths said: “”We welcome the Government announcement that the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) will be the Prevention Commissioner within the new statutory system for addressing gambling harms.

“It is entirely appropriate that a statutory organisation takes on this responsibility, working alongside NHS England, relevant bodies in Scotland and Wales, and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) in their roles as treatment and research commissioners.

“As we move forward, we will work with OHID to ensure a smooth and safe transition to the future system. We believe the new system needs effective population-based prevention activity to raise awareness of the risks of gambling and ensure an integrated approach to supporting those at risk of harm.

“We will strive to play our full part in the future system in whichever way best ensures a collaborative and effective system is created to move us towards our vision of a society free from gambling harm.”

A Ygam statement added: “We look forward to collaborating with OHID, policymakers and sector partners to shape this new era of prevention.

“Through cooperation, innovation and accountability, we can establish a world-leading infrastructure that effectively reduces gambling harms and safeguards future generations.”

The levy is set to come into force this April.