The Health Scrutiny Committee of Derbyshire Council was scheduled to discuss gambling-related harms and consider the committee's work programme for the upcoming year. The meeting also included a slot for public questions.

Gambling-Related Harms

A significant portion of the meeting was set aside to discuss gambling-related harms (GRH) as a public health issue. The report pack indicated that the committee was to review the findings of work undertaken to date in Derbyshire, explore the current funding landscape, and consider new prevention programmes. The discussion was expected to cover the definition of gambling-related harm, which encompasses the adverse impacts on individuals, families, communities, and society. It was noted that socio-economically deprived groups, despite lower participation rates, experience the highest levels of harmful gambling. The financial and social cost to society was estimated to be up to £1.77 billion. The report highlighted that individuals experiencing gambling harms may also be dealing with alcohol, substance use, or mental health issues, with those engaging in multiple types of gambling being at greater risk. The rise of online gambling was identified as a factor contributing to increased harms.

The report pack outlined a three-layered approach to reducing GRH, which included training frontline health professionals, clarifying screening and brief intervention processes, and establishing clear referral pathways for specialist support. The introduction of a UK Statutory Gambling Levy was also to be discussed. This levy is a mandatory charge on licensed gambling operators, designed to create a stable funding stream for research (20%), prevention (30%), and treatment (50%). Derbyshire, as an Upper Tier Local Authority (UTLA), was expected to receive approximately £159,000 for the 2026-27 year for prevention activities. The report also detailed OHID's five overarching strategic objectives for gambling harms prevention, focusing on building local capacity, strengthening partnerships, embedding prevention within local policy, increasing awareness and support, and targeting populations at greatest risk.

Samuel Bostock, whose email address was provided for further information on the council's approach to reducing gambling-related harm, was likely involved in presenting or contributing to this agenda item.

Work Programme 2026/27

The committee was scheduled to consider its work programme for the year 2026/27. The report pack provided a draft programme with proposed topics for future consideration. These included the Child Death Overview Panel Annual Report and Child Palliative Care, an update on wheelchair services following the engagement of a new provider, an overview of work to encourage healthy lifestyle options, and an update on the Dementia Strategy. Further items for consideration included outcomes from Healthwatch Derbyshire's summer engagement, progress on the Stroke Rehabilitation Service review, the future of Healthwatch Derbyshire's work, and progress on the Food Plan for Derbyshire. Other potential topics for discussion included the transfer of immunisations and vaccines to the ICB, Mental Health Crisis Support, Long COVID, and issues related to asbestos. Councillor Dan Price, Cabinet Member for Communities and Safety, was listed as the Portfolio Holder for many of these items.

Public Questions

A dedicated slot of up to 30 minutes was allocated for public questions. The procedure for submitting questions, as outlined in the agenda, required written notice to be given by 12 noon three working days before the meeting. Questions were to be about matters within the scope of the committee's responsibilities and affecting Derbyshire.

The meeting was scheduled to be chaired by Councillor David Harvey, Chairman of the Health Scrutiny Committee. Juliette Normington, Senior Democratic Services Officer, was listed as the contact person for further information regarding the meeting.