Agenda item

This item covers two consultations:

1.    Review of the Statement of Gambling Policy - This report outlines the changes made to the revised policy and the timetable for consultation, prior to submission to Full Council for adoption. – Pages 41 - 90

2.    Removal of Cumulative Impact Policies in Fulham and Shepherd’s Bush - The Council currently has two cumulative impact policies (CIPs) in Fulham and Shepherd’s Bush. This report explains that as the evidence for both of these policies has now expired, the Licensing Authority must carry out a public consultation on the removal of the policies from our overall Statement of Licensing Policy. – Pages 91 - 141

Removal of Cumulative Impact Policies in Fulham and Shepherd’s Bush

Adrian Overton (Licensing Policy and Enforcement Manager) gave a presentation on the future of the Cumulative Impact Policies (CIP’s) and noted the following key points:

-       The Council currently had two CIP’s in Fulham and Shepherd’s Bush.

-       The supporting evidence for both of these polices had expired.

-       The Licensing Authority must carry out a public consultation on the removal of the policies from the Statement of Licensing Policy.

-       The steps required to implement a CIP area were outlined.

-       The evidence gathering process for both of the policies showed different types of problems in both areas.

-       Both polices were last reviewed in 2015 and data from the police, ambulance service and noise complaints were assessed.

-       Any evidence gathering exercise to support any new CIP’s would now be carried out in the summer of 2021 or 2022.

-       A consultation was now live with residents and other stakeholder online via the Council’s Space system.

Councillor Victoria Brocklebank-Fowler commented that she was the Chair of the Licensing Committee between 2008-2012 when these two CIP zones came into place. She felt that it was essential for the Borough to continue to include both Fulham and Shepherds Bush Town Centres under the CIPs, noting that she was in favour of renewing the existing policies. She asked for further clarification to be provided on the Council’s intention of the public consultation. In response Councillor Wesley Harcourt (Cabinet Member for the Environment) noted that the policies had expired, therefore a public consultation on the removal of the polices must be carried out. The Council needed to gather new evidence and would support the outcome of the consultation. The responses received from residents would be taken into consideration to help minimise any significant adverse impact on their enjoyment of their homes and local amenities

Review of the Statement of Gambling Policy

Adrian Overton (Licensing Policy and Enforcement Manager) gave a presentation on the review of the statement of Gambling Policy and noted the following key points:

-       It was now time for the Council to review its Statement of Gambling Policy (SGP) and undergo a public consultation exercise.

-       The latest version would be agreed by Full Council in October 2021 and published in January 2022.

-       A SGP may last for a maximum of three years and canbe reviewed and revised by the authority at any time during that period.

-       The review process for the SGP was outlined in detail.

-       A proposal had also been made to support the removal of the Council’s longstanding ‘No Casino’ resolution from the policy.

-       The consultation began on the 12^th July 2021 and would close on the 19^th September 2021.

Councillor Victoria Brocklebank-Fowler commented that she was supportive of a ‘No Casino’ resolution as she felt it was not suitable for this borough.

The Chair requested that details of the consultation be circulated to Committee Members and gambling charities within the borough.

Action: Adrian Overton

Members noted this report.