Purnell writes to casino councils

2007-07-16 16:30:59

After effectively scrapping the supercasino in Manchester, the government is writing to local councils who have been awarded the 16 licences for the smaller casinos.

Culture secretary James Purnell has been tasked with the job of contacting local authorities to see if they still want to build a casino following four months of uncertainty and the local elections in May.

Back in March, the House of Lords voted against the government's gambling package, despite the fact that it won approval in the Commons. This was followed by local elections, in which some authorities came under the control of another party.

"I am sure that both Houses of parliament will wish to take account of a renewed commitment from the areas concerned when the time comes to consider this matter again," stated Mr Purnell.

"If any of the local authorities have had a change of heart, I will not include them in the new legislation."

Gordon Brown last week announced a review into the gambling proposals and called on MPs to reflect on the issue over the summer.