Issue - meetings

This report asks the Council to consider and approve amendments to the current Council Statement of Gambling Policy.

Discussion:

This report provided details of proposals for a revised Council Statement of Gambling Policy, following consultation and consideration by the Licensing and Safety Committee, Business Support Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Cabinet as set out in the report.

A Diversity Impact Assessment (DIA) had been undertaken on the proposed policy as set out in Appendix C to the report. The DIA indicated that there were no actions required, alternatives proposed or adverse effects to be addressed.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning, Economic Growth and Regulation, Councillor Chitty, supported by Councillor Mrs Diane Chambers, proposed the recommendation set out in the report.

Decision:

The Council approved the amended Statement of Gambling Policy, as set out in Appendix A to the report, in accordance with the policy framework rules.

Background:

This report provided details of proposed amendments to the current Council Statement of Gambling Policy, which was approved at Full Council on 24 January 2013 for a period of 3 years. It was noted that Medway’s draft policy took into account the Gambling Commission’s draft guidance to Licensing Authorities (5^th Edition) consulted on earlier this year, but yet to be confirmed, that set out the principle guidance to local Councils on gambling related matters.

The report provided details of the consultation process which had been undertaken on the draft policy and that whilst a favourable response had been received from Coral, no responses had been received which required or requested any further amendments.

The draft policy had been considered by the Licensing and Safety Committee (2 September 2015) and the Business Support Overview and Scrutiny Committee (8 October 2015) in accordance with the policy framework rules, details of which were set out in paragraphs 6 and 7 of the report.

A Diversity Impact Assessment was set out in Appendix C to the report, this indicated that there were no actions required, alternatives proposed or adverse effects to be addressed.

Reasons:

The proposed Gambling Policy sets out how the Council will regulate licensable activities, as required by the Gambling Act 2005.