Issue - meetings

(a)       That the changes to the Statement of Gambling Policy be noted; and

(b)       That the Draft Policy be approved ahead of its submission to full Council for final approval.

The Team Manager (Licensing & Pest Control) presented a report to seek approval for the Draft Statement of Gambling Policy to be submitted to full Council for approval in June 2023.  The Policy set out how the Council exercised its functions in accordance with the Gambling Act 2005.

Whilst collaborative work across North Wales had achieved a consistent format, specific areas of the Policy were adapted for each authority.  Following its review, the Policy had been subject to consultation with relevant bodies and interested parties, including members of the public and elected Members.  If approved by full Council, the Policy would come into effect from 21 June 2023 for a period of three years.  In section 6 of the report, it was noted that the current Statement of Gambling Policy was published on the Council’s website via the following link: Statement of Gambling Policy

The Team Leader responded to questions raised by the Chair and Councillors Richard Lloyd and Gina Maddison.

On section 8.1.4 of the Policy, Councillor Carolyn Preece questioned whether specific reference to mental health strategies should be included alongside those already mentioned on safeguarding and public health, particularly as this was an issue highlighted by the Gambling Commission.

During the debate, it was noted that no responses had been raised to the consultation and that mental health issues may already be incorporated within other sections of the Policy, specifically within the meaning of “public health”.

The Senior Solicitor advised that it was open to Members to propose changes for recommendations to full Council and should the change be minor and exploratory in nature would not likely require further consultation.

The change was proposed by Councillor Preece and seconded by Councillor Maddison.

On being put to the vote, the amendment was lost.

The recommendations in the report to approve the Policy without change, as moved by the Chair and seconded by Councillor Marion Bateman, were carried.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the changes to the Statement of Gambling Policy be noted; and

(b)       That the Draft Policy be approved ahead of its submission to full Council for final approval.