The Licensing, Environment & Safety Committee of Stockport Council met on Wednesday 24 September 2025. The committee noted the council's updated Gambling Policy and considered several applications for Private Hire Driver's licences, granting three and refusing one.

Gambling Policy Statement of Licensing Principles 2025-2028

The committee noted the report and the proposed Gambling Policy Statement of Licensing Principles for 2025-2028. This policy is a rolling over of the existing statement of principles for licensing gambling in the borough, as the council awaits updated legislation from the government following a white paper published in 2023. The new government is reviewing recommendations from this white paper, with results expected in 2026. Once the new legislation is enacted, a full review and consultation will take place. The current policy will proceed through the council's governance process, including scrutiny and Cabinet, before its formal adoption. Councillor Pete West, Chair of Licensing, noted that minor amendments to the policy would be made before it moved to the next stages.

Private Hire Driver's Licence Applications

The committee considered four applications for Private Hire Driver's licences, all of which involved applicants with previous convictions. The committee interviewed each applicant.

• Case Number P1814: The committee resolved to grant the application.
• Case Number P1815: The committee resolved to grant the application.
• Case Number P1816: The committee resolved to refuse the application.
• Case Number P1817: The committee resolved to grant the application.

The decision to exclude the public and press from these agenda items was made to prevent the disclosure of information relating to individuals, as permitted by paragraph 1 of the Local Government Act 1972.