Gambling policy to be renewed

Hastings Borough Council's Cabinet is due to discuss the council's gambling policy at the Cabinet meeting on Monday 3 April.

The Gambling Act 2005 requires all local authorities to have in place a Statement of Principles, which must be reviewed and consulted on at least every three years. The policy from 2019 has been updated to make it easier to read and understand, but no legal changes have been made.

Councillors will also debate whether the no casino resolution will continue in Hastings. If approved by Cabinet, both the policy and the no casino resolution will be debated at Full Council at the end of April.

Residents and businesses were invited to have their say on the updated policy last year in an open consultation.

Cllr Ali Roark, lead councillor for environment, said: "I'm pleased that the policy that we have had in place has been successful so there are no proposed changes. We are aware of the risks of gambling, particularly in areas of high deprivation so we are keen to continue this policy to help keep our residents safe."

You can find the full report online and watch the Cabinet meeting online on Monday 3 April at 6pm.