Issue - meetings

At its meeting held on 12 October 2021, the Licensing Committee made the following recommendation to Council:

the Statement of Gambling Licensing Policy for the Gambling Act 2005 be presented to Full Council for approval on 18th November 2021.

Councillor C Turley presented the Statement of Licensing Gambling Policy.  The Council’s Licensing Committee had a statutory duty to review the Policy every three years.  A consultation was undertaken by Public Protection in July-August 2021 and no representations were received.  The Policy remained largely the same as previous policies with the exception of an addition in Section 12 to reflect changes in the Gambling commission’s guidance regarding gaming machines.  At its meeting on 12 October 2021, the Licensing Committee agreed to recommend the Statement of Gambling Licensing Policy to Full Council for approval.  If approved, the Policy, would be published on 4 January 2022 taking effect from 31 January 2022.

Councillor V Fletcher asked the following questions:

At page 41 of the policy, the definition of ’Responsible Authority’ included the Safeguarding Children’s Board, but there was no reference to Telford and Wrekin Adults Safeguarding Board; what was the reason for this?

On a number of pages, significant weight and emphasis was given to the protection of vulnerable children and vulnerable people and those people who gamble beyond their means, what warning signs are in place in gambling facilities,  what help is provided what measures are in place to combat the excesses of gambling?

Councillor Turley confirmed that he would ask a Licensing Officer to provide a written response to the questions.

RESOLVED - that

a)    the Statement of Gambling Licensing Policy be approved; and

b)   the policy be published on the website on 3 January 2022 taking effect from 31 January 2022.