Agenda item

The Council currently had in place a ‘No Casino Policy’ which had been adopted in 2015. It was highlighted that in 2015, the Government confirmed that there would be no changes to the portability of existing or new licences and that this decision would not be reviewed. In view of this, Slough would not  be able to accept or consider an application for a casino and therefore the Committee were being asked to resolve that the No casino Policy should lapse.

The Council was required by the 2005 Act to adopt a Gambling Policy, namely a ‘Statement of Gambling Principles’ which was adopted by Council in December 2006. There was a statutory requirement for the policy to be reviewed every three years and the Licensing Team had commenced planning the consultation on the policy to ensure a new adoption was made by Council in December 2018. Within the policy, the Council was required to consider developing local area profiles - identifying, quantifying and mapping the vulnerabilities and other relevant features of their areas. This information would be used to inform the revised gambling policies. It was noted that this approach represented an opportunity for local authorities to contain the number and distribution of gambling premises and to enforce high standards of operation; whilst respecting the sensitivities of their locality.

The proposed consultation timetable was outlined and it was noted that details of the consultation would be reported to the Committee in October 2018. 

Resolved –

(a)  That the ‘No Casino Policy’ lapse. 

(b)  That the consultation exercise for the Gambling Act 2005 ‘Statement of  Gambling Principles’ to commence.

(c)  That the development of a ‘Local Area Profile’ for inclusion in the new policy document be agreed.