Issue - meetings

Report of the Cabinet Member Development and Safety

The Leader, introduced the report, he advised that the authority were required to produce the policy statement every 3 years and that the responses to the recent consultations had been taken into consideration. He confirmed that the policy statement had already been agreed by Cabinet.

He reported that a section on ‘Local Area Profiles’ had been added and they were committed  to engaging with the County Council’s Public Health Team to develop local area profiles for Cheltenham. He further explained that ‘Local Risk Assessments’ had been added, he confirmed that this set a requirement for all gambling operators to undertake local risk assessments for their licensed premises.  He further advised that the section on exchange of information had been updated to reflect the recent changes to data protection and privacy laws. He acknowledged the recent changes in national legislation with regards to fixed odds betting terminals and confirmed that during routine inspections they would ensure this was being adhered to.

Members wished to thank officers for their hard work in producing the policy statement. They agreed that whilst gambling was important to Cheltenham’s economy it was essential that it was regulated and the necessary support networks put in place. It was noted that the Local Government Association had recently published a paper titled ‘tackling gambling related harm’ and agreed CBC should follow best practice guidance.

Members welcomed engagement with the County Council’s Public Health Team and the government’s decision to reduce the maximum limit on fixed odds betting terminals given the seriousness of gambling addiction. 

RESOLVED (with one abstention) THAT

1.    The proposed changes to the Statement of Principles and associated consultation responses be noted; and

2.    The Gambling Act Policy Statement be approved.