Document Review of the Statement of Gambling Policy 2025-2028

The Committee’s approval was sought to undertake a public consultation on the proposed revised Statement of Gambling Policy for 2025 – 2028.

Members were pleased to be presented with a copy of the policy document showing tracked changes as this clearly showed amendments, additions, and deletions.

In the main, Officers advised that substantial reliance had been made on the Guidance issued by the Gambling Commission in order to update policy as set out in the report.  In addition, Officers had taken into account local demographics and welcomed feedback on any particular areas of concern from the public, statutory and non-statutory consultees. 

Members agreed that whilst much of the policy was stipulated, the local area risk assessment was an integral part of the process.  It was especially important to take into account the views and experiences of local organisations devoted to helping people that could be adversely affected by Gambling.  An Equality Impact Screening Assessment had been reviewed and updated accordingly, focussing on how the authority sought to protect children and vulnerable adults.

Reference was also made to the review of the Gambling Act 2005 under the previous Government, the result of which introduced new requirements around age verification test purchasing aimed to complement the existing controls to prevent under age gambling.  Members were advised that there was a joint regulatory regime between local authorities that issued the premises licences and permits and the Gambling Commission who were responsible for personal licences and operators licences.

Officers were asked to confirm the list of consultees in respect of local public and mental health teams and to include the North West Surrey Alliance in the public consultation exercise.

The Committee was supportive of the revised policy which was approved for a public consultation to last 8 weeks.

Resolved that –

i)          the revised Statement of Gambling Policy be approved for public consultation; and

ii)         the results of the consultation be brought back to this Committee for further discussion in January 2025, with a view to approval of the policy accordingly