Agenda and minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 12 September 2016 were approved as a correct record subject to Cllr Simpson’s apologies being noted.

Report of the Strategic Director, Communities and Environment

The Committee undertook its second evidence gathering session on the review into the impact of gambling on the Borough. The session focused on the use of Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs).

It was reported that FOBTs are electronic machines placed in betting shops, a variety of games can be played on these machines, including; bingo, racing, roulette and slot games. They are pre-set to a maximum stake and pay out, paying out on fixed odds.  FOBTs were first introduced in 1999 and in 2001, following changes to taxation of gambling, this allowed new lower margin games such as roulette to be played on FOBTs, therefore increasing the number of FOBTs.

The Gambling Act 2005 classified FOBTs as B2 gaming machines and it was estimated in 2007 that there were 30,000 FOBTs in place, more recent figures in 2012 estimate this is now 33,500.  The Gambling Act allows for up to four machines in each betting premises, it also set a maximum stake on a single bet at £100 and a maximum prize of £500. Within Gateshead there are 42 licenced betting premises, therefore potentially 168 FOBTs, it is likely that the maximum FOBTs will be in place as they are lucrative.

It was noted that FOBTs are controversial as they have addictive qualities so have a causal role in problem gambling as large amounts of money can be lost in a relatively short space of time.  It was reported that the Campaign for Fairer Gambling is campaigning for the maximum stake to be reduced to £2, however the Association of British Bookmakers (ABB) claims there is no evidence of links between FOBTs and problem gambling. In addition, the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board has said that the correlation between FOBTs and problem gambling is poorly understood. Although it did acknowledge the regulatory dilemma of balancing the enjoyment of those who gamble responsibly against protecting the minority who are at risk.

Committee was advised that the initial introduction of FOBTs was controversial because the legal status of the machines was debatable, therefore there was no limit on the stakes and where the machines could be placed. Concerns were raised in 2003 resulting in a code of practice being published which meant that no more than four machines could operate in one place, the maximum prize would be £500 and the maximum stake £100, the speed of play was also restricted. When the Gambling Act was a Bill concerns were raised by various charities about problem gambling linked to FOBTs. However, this did not change the stake or prize limits already in place. During passage of the Gambling Act the maximum number of FOBTs was negotiated with the industry and during this time Tessa Jowell stated that FOBTs were on probation and there was no certainty as to whether they would remain as there was no clear evidence as to their effect. However, earlier this year Baroness Jowell called for action to be taken over B2 machines.

It was reported that in 2008  ...  view the full minutes text for item CPL14

Report of the Strategic Director, Communities and Environment

The Committee received a case study on street cleanliness with a focus on enforcement, education and community involvement and service changes following budgetary pressures.

In terms of community initiatives it was reported that over 23 groups have been constituted, including Friends of Groups, Crawcrook and Greenside Environment Group and Ryton Litter Action. These groups are working to carry out a range of environmental improvements. There are also 500 resident volunteers who are regularly working within the Gateshead area as well as awareness initiatives being carried out with a number of schools. 

It was reported that three Waste Behavioural Change Workers have been introduced, they are identifying areas of concern to improve the amount and quality of recycling, which in the long term will save money.

It was noted that there is a large resource in developing groups and therefore there is a need for a more proactive approach in how volunteers are managed.  It was also recognised that more could be done to publicise volunteering opportunities as only a small percentage of the population currently volunteer.  A number of proposals are being discussed to move the service on, however all have resource implications.

Committee was advised that in 2012 a lot of work was undertaken to respond to budget pressures, this has led to new working structures and methods such as shared resources, annualised hours, fleet management moving to waste services to provide more synergy. The Environment Enforcement Team now consists of four full time officers who concentrate on areas of the greatest demand. In addition there is one Dog Warden who is focussing on educating and responding but is also able to issue fixed penalty notices.

In terms of service improvement initiatives, the number of depots has been reduced, training requirements have now been prioritised and are more targeted. Also, staff culture has changed to ensure work is undertaken effectively with current resources, staff views are sought around efficiencies and ideas on how to improve the service.  Joint work is underway with The Gateshead Housing Company around enforcement and neighbourhood issues, to offer a more preventative approach. In relation to street cleansing, mechanical sweepers have been reduced from nine to six and are targeted to areas where they are needed the most. It was noted that bins have been replaced by larger enclosed containers to prevent overfilling and vermin.

It was reported that work is continuing to promote services to the commercial sector in order to generate income and also in terms of communication to explain the situation and manage the expectations of customers. It was shown that cleansing and dog fouling requests and complaints are on a downward trend as residents get used to the level of service that can now be offered. Social media is also used to inform customers and work continues with the Customer Service Unit to ensure the correct information is sent out as soon as possible.

Challenges for the service were highlighted, including greater publicity around volunteering opportunities and ensuing sufficient resources to  ...  view the full minutes text for item CPL15