The Licensing and General Purposes Committee of Barnet Council met on Monday 1 June 2026 to review annual reports from various departments, discuss the Gambling Statement of Principles, and consider the committee's forward work plan. Key discussions included the work of Trading Standards, Environmental Health, and licensing activities, with a particular focus on the proposed revisions to the Gambling Statement of Principles and the implications of new legislation.

Licensing Authority Annual Report

The committee received a summary of the licensing team's work between April 2025 and March 2026. Jennifer Barrett, Service Manager for Environmental Protection and Licensing, presented the report, which detailed team performance, service improvements, and the status of the current licensing policy. Councillor Danny Rich, Chair of the committee, noted that the number of gambling licences had not increased, but rather that schools and charities were applying for licences for lotteries. Discussions also touched upon the increased number of licensing subcommittees and proposed changes to their scheduling to ensure broader member participation. Councillor Kath McGuirk raised concerns about the flexibility of subcommittee scheduling, suggesting that days could be adjusted to accommodate members' availability. Councillor Danny Rich emphasised the quasi-judicial nature of subcommittee work, reminding members of the importance of their conduct and statements.

Gambling Statement of Principles

The committee discussed the draft Gambling Statement of Principles for 2027-2030, which requires a public consultation. Jennifer Barrett explained that reforms to the Gambling Act were proposed but had not yet received Royal Assent. However, the English Devolution and Communities Empowerment Act 2026 introduced Gambling Impact Assessments, which would give local authorities more control over gambling premises. Councillor Lachhya Gurung inquired about the potential for mapping to identify areas with a high concentration of gambling outlets, which could strengthen the council's ability to refuse licences. Councillor Kath McGuirk raised concerns about the increase in gambling shops following restrictions on pub fruit machines and questioned how this could be controlled. Councillor Andrea Bilbow OBE asked about the feasibility of limiting the number of gambling establishments in specific areas. It was noted that a joint project with public health was underway to map gambling establishments and analyse potential harms, which would provide evidence to support any future policy changes. The draft statement of principles was approved for public consultation, with the outcome to be reported back in November.

Trading Standards Annual Report

Yvette Lynch, Head of Counter Fraud and Trading Standards, presented the annual report for 2025-2026, highlighting significant achievements. The team handled over 1,600 consumer complaints, secured two criminal prosecutions, and issued fines totalling over £123,000 to non-compliant letting agents. A substantial amount of illegal, counterfeit, and unsafe goods, with an estimated market value of over £500,000, were seized. Seven cases were referred for financial investigation under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. Councillor Danny Rich commended the team's work, particularly in tackling illegal trade and protecting consumers. Discussions also covered the fines issued to letting agents, with Karl Schultz, Team Leader for Trading Standards, explaining the process of determining fine amounts based on legislation and the financial standing of the business. The report noted the team's proactive approach to advice and enforcement, including operations like Operation Sceptre concerning the sale of knives to under-18s.

Environmental Health, Health and Safety, and Pest Control Annual Reports

The committee received annual reports on the work of the Commercial Environmental Health Team, focusing on health and safety enforcement and pest control. The reports detailed inspections, complaint investigations, and advice provided to businesses. Members discussed staffing levels and the challenges in recruiting qualified environmental health officers nationally. Councillor Jennifer Grocock raised questions about whether pest control efforts were focused on residential properties or open spaces, and what measures could be taken to encourage responsible waste disposal. Councillor Michael McGrath highlighted the need for inter-departmental cooperation to address pest control issues, particularly in relation to public spaces and housing associations. The committee also noted the Annual Barnet Corporate Health, Safety and Wellbeing Report 2024/25, which indicated stable overall incident numbers but an increase in reported physical assaults in schools.

Committee Forward Work Plan

The committee reviewed its forward work plan for 2026-2027. A discussion took place regarding the potential rescheduling of the November meeting due to members' availability. The Chair proposed moving the meeting from 2 November to 16 November, or potentially 23 November, subject to governance agreement and member availability.

The meeting concluded with the Chair thanking all attendees and staff for their important work.