Agenda item - Gambling Policy Review 2022-2024 (as revised)

Report of the Executive Director, Housing, Neighbourhoods and Communities (copy attached)

RESOLVED – (1) That the Committee instruct officers to carry out a consultation on the draft policy (attached at appendix 1 to the report).

8.1      The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Housing, Neighbourhoods and Communities detailing the requirement for a review of Gambling Policy 2022-2024 as revised.

8.2      It was noted that under the Gambling Act 2005 there was a requirement for Licensing Authorities to prepare a statement (policy) every three years of the principles they proposed to be applied when exercising their functions. As part of that process they were required to publish a statement following the procedures set out in the Act, including details of whom they should consult. Brighton and Hove’s gambling policies and practices had been highlighted by the Gambling Commission as examples of good practice. The current policy had been through a comprehensive review for its 2016 version and it was not proposed that this statutory review would incorporate any major changes as the licensing authority had continued to liaise with the Gambling Commission who had advised that there had been no major changes to the Guidance for Local Authorities  which affected local policies. The revised policy would reflect changes such as the reduction in B2 gaming machine stakes in April 2019, update the licensing figures and safeguarding contacts.

8.3      In answer to questions by Councillor Moonan it was confirmed that work was continuing with public health in addition to an annual meeting which enabled officers to share experiences with other comparable and seaside cities.

8.4      Councillor Simson referred to the links between gambling alcohol and enquired whether data was monitored in that respect. The needs to highlight links for advice which linked into the Gambling Commission website was referred to and it was noted that this would be done.

8.5      RESOLVED – (1) That the Committee instruct officers to carry out a consultation on the draft policy (attached at appendix 1 to the report).