To adopt the Council’s Gambling Policy following the three year review and consultation process.  The report of the Head of Paid Service and Corporate Director Communities, Localities and Culture, including the draft Gambling Policy proposed by the Executive for adoption, is attached.

The Council considered the report of the Head of Paid Service and Corporate Director Communities, Localities and Culture on the review of the Gambling Act.

Councillor Anwar Khan moved and Councillor Ann Jackson seconded an amendment to the recommendations to the report:-

“To add to the report recommendations section:

That the Council note:

-          That the Sustainable Communities Act allows councils to put forward proposals to Government for their consideration.

-          That Mayor Jules Pipe of Hackney has written to borough leaders asking their support for a proposal to re-establish a specific planning class for betting shops which would allow local authorities greater opportunity to shape their high streets in accordance with the wishes of local residents.

-          Currently the London boroughs of Hackney, Barking and Dagenham, Brent, Camden, Greenwich, Haringey, Islington, Lambeth, Newham, Redbridge, Southwark, Sutton, Waltham Forest and Westminster have already signed up to support this joint proposal.

-          Were this proposal enacted the Council would be granted additional powers to protect against the proliferation of gambling establishments which could damage the economic viability of our high streets by restricting the available retail space.

-          That legislation also allows Council’s to adopt ‘no casino’ policies as part of their policy frameworks

This Council resolves:

-          To call upon the Mayor to support Mayor Pipe’s initiative and to sign the Council up to joint application under the Sustainable Communities Act

-          To call upon the Mayor to conduct a review of evidence on the social and economic impact of casinos as well as a consultation on whether to adopt a ban as part of the Licensing Policy review currently underway.”

The amendment was put to the vote and was agreed.

The recommendations in the report, as amended, were then put to the vote and were agreed.

DECISION

1.      To agree the proposed Gambling Policy for adoption.

2.      That the Council note:

o       That the Sustainable Communities Act allows councils to put forward proposals to Government for their consideration.

o       That Mayor Jules Pipe of Hackney has written to borough leaders asking their support for a proposal to re-establish a specific planning class for betting shops which would allow local authorities greater opportunity to shape their high streets in accordance with the wishes of local residents.

o       Currently the London boroughs of Hackney, Barking and Dagenham, Brent, Camden, Greenwich, Haringey, Islington, Lambeth, Newham, Redbridge, Southwark, Sutton, Waltham Forest and Westminster have already signed up to support this joint proposal.

o       Were this proposal enacted the Council would be granted additional powers to protect against the proliferation of gambling establishments which could damage the economic viability of our high streets by restricting the available retail space.

o       That legislation also allows Council’s to adopt ‘no casino’ policies as part of their policy frameworks

3.   That the Council resolves:

o       To call upon the Mayor to support Mayor Pipe’s initiative and to sign the Council up to joint application under the Sustainable Communities Act

o       To call upon the Mayor to conduct a review of evidence on the social and economic impact of casinos as well as a consultation on whether to adopt a ban as part of the Licensing Policy review currently underway.

(Action by: Stephen Halsey, Head of Paid Service and Corporate Director, Communities, Localities and Culture)