Charities are calling for an immediate government review of the new mandatory gambling levy distribution system, which they argue has failed in its initial phase, creating a catastrophic funding gap. They warn that hundreds of people in treatment face losing their support unless emergency intervention is swift.
The levy was implemented to replace the inconsistent voluntary donations from gambling operators, thereby securing a dedicated, larger funding stream for addiction services. The policy’s intent has been negated by the bureaucratic failure to distribute the funds promptly, pushing frontline providers into a financial crisis.
The administrative logjam is squarely blamed on the NHS’s new commissioning role. Leading organizations report a systemic failure characterized by ambiguous requirements, shifting timelines, and an overall lack of decisiveness in finalizing new service contracts, which is starving the smaller providers of income.
The profound consequence is the escalating distress among clients, who fear the sudden cessation of their therapeutic support. Recovered addicts are issuing stark warnings that disrupting care for vulnerable individuals is a high-risk factor for mental breakdown, relapse, and self-harm.
Charities are urging the government to bypass the slow administrative process and authorize emergency funds immediately to stabilize the sector. They assert that the government’s duty is to protect lives from the consequences of its own poorly managed policy transition. The government has offered general reassurance but has failed to confirm the provision of the requested emergency financial support.