The Licensing and General Purposes Committee of Harrow Council was scheduled to convene on Wednesday 29 January 2025 to discuss proposed updates to the council's Gambling Policy and Special Treatment Policy. The committee was also set to consider a report regarding a highway stopping-up order for Southacre Way.

Statement of Gambling Policy

The committee was scheduled to consider the revised Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Principles for 2025-2028. This policy, which is required to be reviewed and published every three years, outlines how the council, as a licensing authority, will permit the use of premises for gambling. The report pack indicated that the proposed policy had undergone consultation and that there were no significant changes from the previous version. The committee was asked to consider the revised policy, consultation responses, and an Equalities Impact Assessment (EqIA) before recommending it to the Council for approval. The Gambling Act 2005 sets out three licensing objectives: preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, ensuring gambling is conducted fairly and openly, and protecting children and vulnerable persons from harm. The policy details how the council will approach licensing in relation to these objectives, covering various types of gambling premises and permits.

Special Treatment Policy

A report was presented regarding a proposed new policy for special treatments, which would regulate businesses offering services such as massage, tattooing, and cosmetic piercing under the London Local Authorities Act 1991. The council's Licensing Team considered this new policy would bring consistency to the application process, benefiting both businesses and the enforcement team by providing transparency regarding expectations and compliance. The proposed policy was to be approved for consultation, with the outcome and final draft to be presented at a future meeting. The policy aims to ensure that suitably qualified individuals provide treatments using safe equipment, and that licensed premises are safe, clean, and well-maintained.

Southacre Way Stopping Up Order

The committee was also scheduled to consider an application for a highway stopping-up order for a section of Southacre Way. The report indicated that this cul-de-sac serves three properties and was adopted as public highway in 1986. An earlier application to stop up the highway was withdrawn in 2012. The current application, received in May 2023, was initially rejected but reassessed, concluding there was no public benefit in retaining the section of highway. If approved, the council would no longer be responsible for highway maintenance for this section, with responsibility reverting to the landowners. The applicants indicated an intention to install entrance gates, which would require planning permission if over 1 metre in height. The report noted that all costs associated with the order-making process would be met by the applicant, and the council would see long-term savings on maintenance, cleansing, and electricity for street lighting.