Agenda and draft minutes

Members are requested to declare the existence and nature of any disclosable pecuniary interest and/or other interest in any item on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest.

The Committee is asked to confirm and sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 8 December 2020.

The minutes of the meeting held on 8 December 2020 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

To advise Members of the result of the consultation on the proposed Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy and to propose a final policy for adoption.

The Committee was advised of the proposed revised proposals to the Council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy following publication of the Department for Transport Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards.

Members were informed that the consultation commenced on 2 January 2021 and ran for eight weeks. There were no responses to the consultation. Discussions ensued around the policy amendments including training and issues arising from the proliferation of out of area vehicles. It was suggested that a letter be submitted to Government requesting changes to these practices.

It was proposed by Councillor M Radulovic MBE and seconded by Councillor D Bagshaw that Appendix B 5.36, ‘Using a hand-held device whilst driving’ be amended to include the additional wording and to update the amendment to read:

‘Where an applicant has a conviction for using a hand held mobile phone or a hand held device whilst driving, a licence will not normally be granted up to at least 5 years have elapsed since the conviction or completion of any sentence or driving ban imposed, whichever is the later.’

When put to the vote the amendment was carried.

A further proposal from Councillor R I Jackson and seconded by Councillor H G Khaled MBE to change the recommendation to an increase from 3 to 10 years Appendix B 5.8 Possession of a weapon. The wording to be as the following:

‘If an applicant has been convicted of possession of a weapon or any other weapon related offence, depending on the circumstances of the offence at least up to 10 years must have passed since the completion of the sentence, before a licence is granted.’

When put to the vote the further amendment was carried.

RESOLVED that the Policy, as amended, be approved.

To advise Members of the result of an appeal by a taxi driver following the revocation of his licence by the Licensing and Appeals Committee.

Members noted the report of the result of an appeal by a taxi driver following revocation of their licence by the Licensing and Appeals Committee. The Committee thanked the Legal Team’s representative and were pleased the Magistrates dismissed the appeal, upholding the Committees decision to revoke the taxi driver licence.