Issue - meetings

(1)       Cabinet

-       24 September 2015

-       22 October 2015

 (2)      Scrutiny Committee

-       5 October 2015

-       2 November 2015 (to follow)

(3)       Audit Committee

-       29 September 2015

(4)       Managing the Environment Policy Development Group

-       22 September 2015

(5)       Decent and Affordable Homes Policy Development Group

-       6 October 2015

(6)       Community Well-Being Policy Development Group

-       13 October 2015

(7)       Planning Committee

-       23 September 2015

-       21 October 2015

(8)       Licensing Committee

            -    15 October 2015

(9)       Regulatory Committee

            -    15 October 2015

(10)     Standards Committee

            -    19 October 2015

The Leader presented the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 24 September 2015.

To receive a report from the Head of Human Resources and Development. Mid Devon District Council is required to set out and formally adopt a Statement of Principles advising how it would carry out its duties under the Gambling Act 2005. That statement has to be reviewed every three years and this is its third review.

The Committee had before it a report * from the Head of Human Resources and Development. Mid Devon District Council is required to set out and formally adopt a Statement of Principles advising how it would carry out its duties under the Gambling Act 2005. That statement had to be reviewed every three years and this was its third review.

The Lead Licensing Officer explained that the licensing authority had consulted with the Police, representatives of gambling businesses and representatives of people who, in the opinion of the authority, are likely to be affected by the exercise of the function. Two responses had been received, one from solicitors acting on behalf of the Association of British Bookmakers (ABB) and one from Coral Racing Ltd. The comment from Coral Racing Ltd had been a generic one regarding local risk assessments generally, however, the comments made by ABB had led to some tweaks being made to aid the flow of the document. 

The most significant amendment to the Statement of Principles had related to the Gambling Commission introducing new provisions in its social responsibility code within the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice, requiring operators to produce a local risk assessment which would assist local authorities when considering applications. An example was provided such as premises wanting a gambling licence but the premises also being situated near to a school. The applicant in this case would need to show what plans were in place to safeguard children as well as what facilities were there to help those with gambling addictions.

Discussion took place regarding:

·         If an issue was raised or a problem reported regarding particular premises then an officer from the licensing authority would visit the premises to check the risk assessment.

·         The licensing authority was a consultee for relevant planning applications.

·         The often close proximity of gambling premises within localities and that planning permission would be required for a change of use from retail premises to a betting shop.

RECOMMENDED to Council that the revised Statement of Principles be adopted.

(Proposed by Cllr C J Eginton and seconded by Cllr T G Hughes)

Note: * Report previously circulated; copy attached to the signed minutes.