Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Ellis and Stirland.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the above meeting, having been circulated, be approved as a correct record.

None.

Report of the Service Manager Public Protection.

Consideration was given to a report of the Service Manager Public Protection proposing an increase to taxi licensing fees for the next financial year.

RESOLVED to approve:

1)    The fees and charges for 2019/20 with effect from 1^st April 2019;

2)    The fees for taxi operators and vehicle licences for 2019/20 for advertisement in accordance with the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, such fees to automatically come into force if no objections are received within the statutory period; and

3)    The proposed fees for taxi driver’s licences detailed in for 2019/20 for advertisement and the Corporate Director in consultation with the Chair of Environment and Licensing Committee be authorised to agree the final fees after taking into account any comments received during the consultation period.

To move that under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the public and press be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the ensuing report on the grounds that the report involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 7 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

RESOLVED:

That, the Members being satisfied that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information that under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public and press be excluded from the meeting during the consideration of the ensuing reports on the grounds that the report involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 7 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

Report of the Director of Health and Community Wellbeing.

Consideration was given to a report by Director of Health and Community Wellbeing which had been circulated prior to the meeting, regarding an application for a change of circumstances of a Joint Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Driver’s Licence for MAK.

MAK attended the meeting along with his solicitor and both addressed the Committee.

In making its decision, the Committee applied the Council’s approved Policy and Guidelines.  On the basis of what it heard, the Committee was satisfied on balance that no exceptional circumstances existed which warranted departure from policy.

RESOLVED:

To revoke the Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Driver’s Licence held by MAK giving MAK 21 days to surrender the licence.

MAK was advised of his right to appeal against the decision of the Committee.

Report of the Director of Health and Community Wellbeing

Consideration was given to a report by Director of Health and Community Wellbeing, which had been circulated prior to the meeting, regarding an application for a Joint Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Driver’s Licence for MZ.

MZ attended the meeting and addressed the Committee.

In making its decision, the Committee applied the Council’s approved Policy and Guidelines.  On the basis of what it heard, the Committee was satisfied on balance that no exceptional circumstances existed which warranted departure from policy.

RESOLVED:

To refuse MZ’s application for a Joint Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Driver’s Licence on the grounds that he is not a fit and proper person.

MZ was advised of his right to appeal against the decision of the Committee.

6.15pm Councillor Andrews left the meeting.

Report of the Director of Health and Community Wellbeing

Consideration was given to a report by Director of Health and Community Wellbeing, which had been circulated prior to the meeting, regarding an application for a Joint Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Driver’s Licence for SMUZ.

SMUZ attended the meeting and addressed the Committee.

In making its decision, the Committee applied the Council’s approved Policy and Guidelines.  On the basis of what it heard, the Committee was satisfied on balance that no exceptional circumstances existed which warranted departure from policy.

RESOLVED:

To refuse SMUZ’s application for a Joint Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Driver’s Licence on the grounds that he is not a fit and proper person.

SMUZ was advised of his right to appeal against the decision of the Committee

Report of the Director of Health and Community Wellbeing.

Consideration was given to a report by Director of Health and Community Wellbeing, which had been circulated prior to the meeting, regarding an application for a Joint Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Driver’s Licence for HH.

HH attended the meeting along with his Solicitor and both addressed the Committee.

The complainant attended the meeting and addressed the Committee.

In making its decision, the Committee applied the Council’s approved Policy and Guidelines.  On the basis of what it heard, the Committee was satisfied on balance that exceptional circumstances existed which warranted departure from policy.

RESOLVED:

To approve HH’s application for a Joint Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Driver’s Licence for 1 year with the following advice to HH that it is his responsibility to know what information is required to renew his licence and that he needs to be aware of any expiry dates for his training and medical before submitting his renewal applications.

None.