InformationStatement of gambling policy 2025-2028
The Gambling Act 2005 requires that we must prepare and publish a statement of licensing policy every 3 years. The published policy then provides the framework for all decisions on applications relating to the Gambling Act 2005 and the way we carry out our functions in relation to the legislation. The policy is also intended to provide advice and guidance to anyone that may be involved in the licensing application process from applicants and licence holders to responsible authorities and members of the public who wish to make a representation about an application.
Our statement of licensing policy under the Gambling Act for 2025 - 2028
This revised policy came into effect on 31 January 2025 is published following a public consultation during the latter half of 2024 when we consulted with a wide range of organisations and individuals with an interest in gambling.
The policy was adopted by Full Council on the 4 December 2024 and is effective from the 31 January 2025 for the following 3 years.
We keep this policy statement under constant review and if any revisions are made we will publish a statement of these revisions or a revised policy statement.
Over the Summer of 2023, the Gambling Commission and HM Government launched a series of public consultations on a significant number of proposed amendments to gambling regulation across the UK. Several of the proposed amendments addressed by the public consultations have the potential to significantly impact on Local Authority gambling regulation, and the Gambling Commission have confirmed that it is still considering the responses received and that it was not in a position to amend Statutory Guidance to Local Authorities prior to the deadline for review of the Statement of Gambling Policy. A review of the Statement of Licensing Policy was therefore undertaken and a draft policy incorporating minor amendments only, was put before the Licensing and Enforcement Committee on 17th July 2024 and approved for consultation with statutory consultees.
It is therefore likely that the policy will need to be revised further in the near future following the publishing by the Gambling Commission of updated Statutory Guidance to Local Authorities.