Issue - meetings

Report of the Director for Resident Services and Environment. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Communities.

Adoption of revised Gambling Act Policy within the Borough. The Policy will go to Full Council on the 18th of November.

The Cabinet Member for Communities introduced the report which sought approval of the Council’s Statement of Gambling Policy for the Gambling Act 2005 for the years 2025-2028. This report advised of the outcome of the consultation which was set out at Table 1 and 2 of the report with most responders expressing their dislike of gambling in general terms.

The review built on information for the Local Area Profiles. These profiles would provide a good evidence base of gambling in the local area and help identify any future risks, which will inform the decision-making process.

In response to comments and questions from Cllr das Neves, and Cllr Brabazon, the following was noted.

-       That the Council was restricted in this policy and limited on actions due to national legislation . However, the consultation provided the Council with useful information around the feelings and concerns of residents across the borough and highlighted the unique work of the borough on gambling harms with extensive work around services which also entailed listening to the voices of those affected by the gambling harms. The Council would look to continuing to improve the protections of people in the borough and beyond from gambling harm.

-       In relation to ongoing work going on with London Councils or the Local Government Association to try and influence changes to legislation and to tackle the concentration of betting shops or adult gaming centres, this was being taken forward. The Council were exploring ways with partners on how to make the case for a reform legislation and ensure there were changes to the regulations. The licensing team were working with public health led by the Cabinet Member for Adults, Social Care and Health and this would be one of the areas to explore.

RESOLVED

1. To approve the Statement of Gambling Policy 2025 – 2028 at Appendix 1and recommend to Full Council that it be adopted with effect from 31st

January 2025, taking into consideration:

i) the outcome of the consultation set out in paragraph 8.3 of the

report and

ii) the equality impact assessment in Appendix 3.

2. To agree that Full Council should resolve that, in respect of new casinos, no premises licences shall be granted after the date that this resolution comes into effect and that this resolution shall come into effect on 31st January 2025.
3. To note the supplementary guidance containing the local area profile information at Appendix 2.

Reasons for decision

The Council is obliged to review and adopt A Statement of Licencing Policy for Gambling every three years. The current policy is due to expire in January 2025. Therefore, a new policy must be adopted.

Alternative options considered

No alternatives were considered. It is a legislative requirement that the policy be reviewed at least every three years, and that a public consultation is carried out.

Failure to review and adopt the statement of gambling policy would result in the

Council failing to comply with legislation.