The number of betting shops is increasing in Britain

Politicians consider the attempt of some councils to prevent the proliferation of betting shops

The widely publicized and highly contentious topic of High Street betting shops permits came to light once more during the weekend as politicians began arguing over some local councils attempts to prevent the proliferation of betting shops.

At the center of the current row was the Ladbrokes group, having written to Nick Boles, the planning minister, to express how concern they are about the "unelected officials' alarming actions" opposed to the introduction of betting shops, reported major newspapers and The Telegraph.

Responding in writing, Boles reportedly informed Ladbrokes: "I do not believe that this could pose a big problem and we are taking steps to address the matter."

In the controversial growth bill were cited new powers by the minister, designed to revitalize high streets by putting empty shops into productive use and cutting red tape.

The issue then became more and more politicized when Hilary Benn, the shadow local government minister from the Labor party, came into possession of the letters under the laws concerning the Freedom of Information and immediately started his attack, stating: "The claim of David Cameron was that he would do whatever he can to protect communities but such documents indicate that his ministers are attempting to do quite the opposite."

Benn continued with the claim that the attitude of his government is making it much more difficult for communities to prevent the betting shops proliferation and undermine the powers the councils used to urge applicants for planning permission to state what impact their changes will have on society."

A Department for Communities and Local Government's spokesperson engaged in early damage control, stating: " The growth and infrastructure bill considers provisions which were announced before the parliament 3 months ago, prior to the department receiving the Ldbrokes' letter. It is simply false to suggest that the government was in any way influenced by the betting industry."