asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether councillors who have expressed clear views for or against the location of new casinos in their area will be regarded as having fettered their discretion over any planning applications for such casinos; and whether they will be able to take part in decisions on such applications. [HL863]

The Government endorse the guidance on the role of councillors set out in the two Local Government Association guidance notes entitled Probity in Planning: the role of councillors and officers and Positive Engagement: a guide for planning councillors.

The Government published a statement of national policy on casinos on 16 December 2004. This statement includes guidance on planning for casinos and the role of local authorities in this process.