Member

95: After Clause 40, insert the following new Clause— “Gambling addiction and disorders: assessment in pre-sentencing and of offendersThe Secretary of State must—(a) ensure that where any assessment used in the preparation of a pre-sentence report requires or allows an assessment of the individual’s mental health, alcohol or drug addiction, an assessment must also be made as to whether the individual has a gambling addiction or disorder;(b) ensure that where any system or method used for the assessment of the needs of offenders requires or allows an assessment of an offender’s mental health, alcohol addiction, or drug addiction, an assessment must also be made as to whether the offender has a gambling addiction or disorder;(c) ensure that, for the purposes of paragraph (b), if an assessment finds that the offender has had a gambling addiction or disorder, or is likely to develop such an addiction or disorder, appropriate steps shall be taken to minimise the possible occurrence or recurrence of such an addiction or disorder.”Member’s explanatory statement This amendment seeks to place a duty on the Secretary of State to ensure assessments of gambling addiction or disorder are included in pre-sentencing reports and reports on offenders after sentencing.