DOUBTS have been expressed over whether the Guildhall can avoid getting ripped off by people wanting to open up gambling venues.

The city council has admitted a raft of new fees drawn up to ensure it can administer applications for new gambling venues may not be enough.

An ex-city mayor has raised concern that taxpayers in Worcester may end up paying the extra costs at the end of the year in the form of council tax.

Councillor Dave Clark said it would be "regrettable" if the Guildhall had to lean on taxpayers to help pay for the legal and clerical work whenever someone applies to open up a venue.

As the Worcester News reported last week, the new fees and charges have been drawn up to try and ensure the city council can recover costs and not make a profit.

Coun Clark said: "While we are told we can recover our costs, it has been proved many times over the years at this council that this is never the case.

"If it costs us more than the charges set out, my concern is that the ratepayer ends up paying for the extra costs.

"These figures are subject to review after one year, which is telling. The costs of legal people, for example, are always high."

The fees, set by officers, are thought to be about the average compared to other local councils in the UK.

The city council will charge £1,750 for a new bingo club application, £1,500 for a betting premises application, £1,000 for a family entertainment centre application and £1,000 for an adult gaming centre application.

Each one can get the application fast tracked for £300, while there are annual charges of £375-£500.