Agenda and draft minutes

To agree the minutes of the meeting held on 23 July 2024 as a correct record.

The minutes of the meeting held on 23 July 2024 were agreed as a correct record.

To receive any disclosures of interest from Councillors in accordance with the

Council's Code of Conduct for Members.

There were none.

To consider approval of the proposed licensing fees and charges for consultation purposes and statutory advertising requirements.

The Principal Licensing Officer presented the proposed Fees and Charges for the Licensing of Hackney Carriages, Private Hire, and Private Hire Operators for consultation purposes.

The Principal Licensing Officer explained the proposed fees would cover increased costs to the service. A full cost analysis had been done to ensure the costs would be met and no surplus would be generated.

The Committee queried if it would be beneficial to add a slight increase to cover any unexpected costs that arose during the year, and the Principal Licensing Officer explained these would be identified as part of the next cost analysis exercise.

The Committee resolved to approve the proposed licensing fees and charges set out in the report for consultation purposes and statutory advertising requirements.

To consider recommending adoption of the Gambling Act Policy 2025-2028 to Council.

The Committee considered the Gambling Act Policy 2025-2028 for recommendation to Council.

The Principal Licensing Officer presented the Gambling Act Policy 2025-2028. Consultation on the policy had been undertaken, and the only substantial response received was from Gamcare. Gamcare had made a number of positive suggestions, though it was advised the suggestions be reviewed in the context of the Gambling Act Review and forthcoming white paper consultations. The proposed policy had been written in line with current legislation, and any changes to that legislation would prompt a review of the policy.

A member of the Committee felt the policy should be amended to address support for residents with gambling addiction, and sanctions for premises should be considered. The Principal Licensing Officer advised gambling premises were heavily regulated, and if there were any concerns about the operation of the premises, this would be reported to the Gambling Commission. Other members of the Committee felt it was appropriate to recommend the policy for adoption by Council to have a policy in place in a timely manner, and that the recommendations made by Gamcare could be considered when new legislation came into effect.

The Committee resolved by majority to recommend the adoption of the Gambling Act Policy 2025-2028 by full Council.

Councillor Clarke voted against the recommendation without the inclusion of an additional section related to gambling addiction.