Question to the Home Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the recommendations in the report by the Commission on Crime and Gambling Related Harms Police awareness and practice regarding gambling related harms, published in June, what steps they will take to ensure police officers are able to identify crimes and harms beyond traditional high-level fraud and theft.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has acknowledged the importance for police and others to be able to recognise the signs early when dealing with somebody with a gambling addiction who is going through criminal justice process so that the best support is offered.

The NPCC is currently gathering best practice from forces on early screening of gambling addicts, ensuring the right offer of support is in place, and signposting where people can seek further help.

The Government will continue to work closely with them to understand and consider their findings.