Issue - meetings

[Report of  the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member Planning, Licensing and Housing Services]

The report will be seeking approval to undertake public consultation in respect of a Gambling Act Policy within the Borough.

[Clerks note  Cllr Brabazon, Cllr Diakides,  Cllr Gordon and Cllr Ahmet – Leader of the Council and Chair returned to the meeting. Cllr Ahmet resumed chairing the meeting – 6.50pm]

The Leader introduced the item which sought approval for a ten-week consultation on the draft Gambling Policy 2022-25 and the Local Area Profile. The draft revised policy and the Local Area Profile supplementary document highlighted the impact high street gambling premises had on the most vulnerable and ‘at risk’ areas of the borough. For future applications, operators would be asked to consider very carefully whether seeking new premises or relocating premises within these area would be consistent with the licensing objectives and the locally identified risks. The Gambling Act 2005 however, still required Councils to ‘aim to permit’ applications. The Council had presented a response to the Government’s review of the Gambling Act 2005 ‘Call for Evidence’, which requested stronger commitment to empower Local Authorities to listen to the concerns of the local community by removing the ‘aim to permit’ requirement.

Cabinet Members welcomed the report and the response to the Government review.

Daliah Barrett, Licensing Officer, responded to questions from the Cabinet:

-           There was a legislative requirement to place notice of publications on the Council’s website. Applications were also shared with ward Councillors, and displayed on the premises for 28 days.

-           There had been complaints from residents in relation to a new gambling premises on Tottenham High Road. This application had been made during the first lockdown and had followed the application process correctly.

RESOLVED

1.         To approve the 10-week consultation on the draft Gambling Policy 2022-2025 at Appendix 1 and the local area profile at Appendix 2.

2.         To note that following consultation a further report will be presented for decision to recommend approval to Full Council for final adoption.

Reasons for decision

To comply with the requirements of the Gambling Act 2005 the Council must prepare and consult on a statement of gambling policy for the period 2022-2025.

The Council will be renewing its resolution, first made in 2007, to not issue any casino licences in the next three years.

To obtain the views of interested parties on the proposed statement of gambling policy and use these views to formulate any changes to the policy.

Alternative options considered

No alternatives were considered. It is a statutory requirement that the policy be reviewed at least every three years, and that a public consultation is carried out. If the Council did not have a policy, it would be acting ultra vires with regards to any decisions it makes when determining gambling premises licences.

The Gambling Commission has laid down requirements which the Council must follow with regards to the Gambling Policy. If they are not followed the Council could face risk of judicial challenge. The Gambling Commission guidance has been followed in drafting this policy.