The Head of Shared Regulatory Services reported on the outcome of the three year review of the Gambling Statement of Principles, which is the framework which governs the way this authority undertakes its duties as the licensing authority for gambling.  Approval of the Statement of Principles for the next three year period from 2019 is a Council function. 

He reported that the Council is required to publish a policy statement known as the Gambling Statement of Principles every three years which has been reviewed and a draft consultation undertaken.  He stated that the Council must undertake a statutory consultation exercise, which is prescribed by regulations with statutory consultees such as the Gambling Commission, Chief Officer of Police, one or more persons who are likely to be affected by the exercise of the authority's functions under the Act.  This comprises elected Members, Town and Community Councils, Trade representatives, machine suppliers, safeguarding organisations (including problem gambling), the Public Service Board and Community Safety Partnership.  Consultation took place between 31 August 2018 and 9 November 2018, which resulted in three valid responses being received.  The Head of Regulatory Services outlined the proposed amendments to be made to the Statement of Principles.  

The Cabinet Member Social Services and Early Help in commending the Statement of Principles was pleased to note that the Government had announced a change to the stakes involved in gaming machines known as “Fixed Odds Betting Terminals”.  He also commented on the negative impact of gambling on mental health and on families. 

RESOLVED:            That Cabinet endorsed the Statement of Gambling Principles, incorporating the proposed amendments 1-3 referred to in paragraphs 4.8.1 to 4.9.2 in the report and forwarded it to Council for approval and publication in accordance with the regulations.