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(AsiaGameHub) –   The British government is moving forward with plans to abolish NHS England, one of three administrative bodies responsible for overseeing funds generated from the statutory levy on gambling harms.

Yesterday, King Charles III delivered his annual speech outlining the Labour government’s legislative priorities for the remainder of the year. Among the bills announced was the NHS Modernisation Bill, which is expected to be introduced in the near future.

If enacted, the bill will dissolve NHS England—a body within the Department of Health and Social Care established by the previous Conservative administration to manage the planning, budgeting, and delivery of NHS services across English regions and local authorities.

The decision to scrap NHS England is not new; Keir Starmer’s government first proposed this move over a year ago, aiming to restructure the UK’s health system under a more streamlined framework designed to tackle pressing national health needs and regional inequalities.

Under the new plan, the Labour government intends to replace NHS England with Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) to oversee regional commissioning arrangements.

This broader reform of the NHS has coincided with the implementation of the statutory levy and a comprehensive overhaul of how problem gambling harms are addressed in the UK. Since April 2025, responsibility for these efforts has been shared between NHS England, the Office of Health Improvement and Disparity (OHID), and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

For what was once a well-established network tackling gambling harms—and especially for the charitable organisations in England that provide treatment funding to those affected—the abolition of NHS England has left several critical questions unanswered.

Drama surrounding the levy

Previously, GambleAware served as the primary commissioner for gambling research, education, and treatment (RET), managing the allocation and distribution of its finances. The organisation had long advocated for replacing the voluntary system with a mandatory one. However, it became a casualty of the new structure, as the government opted instead to designate NHS England, UKRI, and OHID as the commissioners of levy funds.

GambleAware subsequently ceased operations in March 2026. While various organisations—including those in NHS Scotland and Wales, along with OHID—have outlined their intended use of the funds, NHS England has not yet done so.

It remains likely that the responsibilities for administering the levy will fall to the newly established ICBs and regional commissioning bodies, but without clear funding commitments, stakeholders are left awaiting clarification.

Nevertheless, not all responses have been negative. GamCare, which operates the UK’s national gambling helpline, has stated it will collaborate with the government throughout this transition in NHS governance.

The organisation has already received £4 million in funding from OHID’s inaugural round of allocations.

Victoria Corbishley, Chief Executive of GamCare, commented: “We recognise the Government’s ambition to modernise health commissioning and bring decision-making closer to local communities.

“For people affected by gambling harms, ensuring continuity of access to support during any period of structural change will be vital. The initial phase of levy-funded commissioning has provided valuable insights into how services can be effectively coordinated and commissioned within a complex system.

“As one of the largest providers in the sector, offering services ranging from helplines and treatment to outreach and prevention, we possess direct experience of what functions well and where improvements are needed.”

Work continues…

Despite the ongoing debate around NHS England’s dissolution, the other two levy-commissioning bodies remain active. Today, UKRI announced it has allocated funding to establish the UK’s largest dedicated research centre focused on gambling harms.

The Gambling Harms Research UK Evidence Centre will foster collaboration among government agencies, healthcare providers, charities, and individuals with lived experience of gambling-related issues.

Research will be led by the Universities of Glasgow, Sheffield, Swansea, and King’s College London, focusing on policy development, clinical practice, and public understanding. Notably, Glasgow and Sheffield universities are frequently cited for their research into gambling’s societal impacts.

“Gambling harms can devastate individuals, families, and communities,” said Christopher Smith, Executive Chair of the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

“This new independent Evidence Centre represents a significant step toward building a robust, high-quality research foundation to guide better policies, prevention strategies, and treatments across the UK.

“Through the Gambling Levy, UKRI is helping to create a sustainable, credible, and independent research capability on gambling harms, grounded in research integrity and public benefit.”

NHS at the centre of Labour’s agenda

Despite these developments, the government’s timetable may face delays. As of publication, ministers appear preoccupied with internal challenges, particularly following a significant defeat in last week’s local elections that sparked unrest among backbench MPs.

Notably, the main challenger to Prime Minister Keir Starmer at present is Wes Streeting—who, as Health Secretary, has overseen the planned dismantling of NHS England. According to some observers, this process has encountered difficulties, much like other major government initiatives.

Yet for funding commissioners and beneficiary charities, the situation remains fluid.

GamCare’s Victoria Corbishley added: “With further commissioning decisions anticipated before April 2027, we believe there is an important opportunity to review the early rollout of the levy and ensure the next phase is built on the strongest possible foundations.

“We would welcome the chance to contribute our frontline experience and expertise to that process.”

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