Decision details

The Portfolio Holder for Regulatory will be asked to make a decision to go out to consultation on a revised Statement of Gambling Policy (SoGP) for West Suffolk Council. The SoGP sets out the Council’s approach to gambling licensing across the district. The Council is legally obliged to have regard to the SoGP when making decisions on licence applications or reviews. The briefing note attached to this Notice (Paper number: CAB/WS/21/034) provides further information on the background and purpose of the decision required.

Resolved:

That consultation be undertaken on a revised Statement of Gambling Policy (SoGP) for West Suffolk Council. The SoGP sets out the Council’s approach to gambling licensing across the district. The Council is legally obliged to have regard to the SoGP when making decisions on licence applications or reviews.

A revised Statement of Gambling Policy (SoGP) for West Suffolk Council has been produced. The SoGP sets out the Council’s approach to gambling licensing across the district. The Council is legally obliged to have regard to the SoGP when making decisions on licence applications or reviews.

Following the wider review of the Statement itself, the Statement of Gambling Policy is largely unchanged. It has been updated to reflect recent developments in respect of the General Data Protection Regulations and new legislation around Fixed Odds Betting Terminals.

The Council must consult a range of bodies as part of this review process, including those that represent residents, local businesses, premises licence holders and other interested parties across the district.

The Portfolio Holder for Regulatory has therefore taken the decision to consult on the new draft policy.

No other options have been considered and rejected as the Council is legally required to review its Statement of Gambling Policy every three years, including undertaking consultation before final adoption of the revised Policy is sought.