Issue - meetings

Report of the Director of Early Intervention and Support (enclosed)

The Director of Early Intervention and Support submitted a report advising members of the Licensing and Public Safety Committee of the consultation on the Statement of Principles required under the Gambling Act 2005.

Section 349 of the Gambling Act 2005 requires that the Licensing Authority prepare and publish a three year licensing Statement of Principles. The duty also requires a periodic review of the licensing statement on a date prescribed by the Secretary of State which is currently every 3 years. Consultation in relation to the proposed changes came to an end on 19 September 2016; the Licensing Authority received two responses – the final Statement of Principles would take account of this.

Due to expiration of the policy it was recommended that members of the committee approve the Statement of Principles under the Gambling Act 2005 in order to provide greater clarity on the principles to be applied by the Licensing Authority. Members of the Licensing and Public Safety Committee understood that this was a standard required practice undertaken by the Council.

As a result it was proposed by Councillor Adrian Lowe, seconded by Councillor Jean Cronshaw and subsequently RESOLVED; to recommend approval to Full Council of the reviewed Statement of Principles (Gambling Act 2005) subject to the following:

a)    On the expiration of the consultation period (19 September 2016) the Director of Early Intervention in consultation with the Chair of the Licensing and Public Safety Committee is given delegated authority to make any minor amendments arising out of any consultation responses.

b)   On the expiration of the consultation period (19 September 2016) any major changes considered to be necessary as a result of the consultation response will be reported back to the Licensing and Public Safety Committee for further consideration and approval.