Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors Ara and Wing.

To receive any declarations of interest.  Members are advised to consider the advice contained within the Declaration of Interest advice attached to this Agenda.  If a Member declares an interest, they should complete the Declaration of Interest Form 

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve the Minutes of the Licensing Board meeting held on 7 January 2020, copy attached.

It was proposed by Councillor Green, seconded by Councillor Currie and Members agreed the minutes as correct record of the Licensing Board meeting held on 7 January 2020.

It was proposed by Councillor Wright, seconded by Councillor Scobie and Members agreed:

That the public and press be excluded from the meeting for agenda item 5 (minute 495) as it contained exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 4 and 7 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

Ms Stocker, Licensing Officer presented the report.

The Applicant addressed the Board

Members asked questions of the Applicant.

Further to debate, the Licensing Board agreed:

“This was an application, received by the Council in February 2020, for a Licence to Drive a Private Hire Vehicle.

The issue before the Licensing Board for determination was whether or not the Applicant was a fit and proper person to hold such a licence.

We heard evidence about an offence of driving under the influence of alcohol which was committed by the applicant in 2003, and two further offences of breaching a Community Order, committed in 2004 and 2005.  The Applicant explained these offences to the satisfaction of the Licensing Board.

The Board noted that the most recent of these offences was now almost 15 years old. 

Having paid close attention to all of the material before us, we are satisfied that the applicant is a fit and proper person to hold a Licence to Drive a Private Hire Vehicle.  Accordingly, we grant the licence applied for, for a full year.”

Penny Button to present.

Ms Button, Head of Safer Neighbourhoods provided the update to the Board.  During consideration of the item it was noted that:

·  A new taxi knowledge test had been in place for two months. It’s success was being monitored and there had been three passes so far.

·  Ms Stocker would attend a Licensing appeal later in the month.  The Board would receive an update regarding the result of the appeal at its next meeting in March.

·  The Council had drafted a new Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy that was currently out to consultation.  A key element of the policy was a restriction on the age of vehicles in order to reduce emissions. 

·  The Council would be issuing new plastic plates and badges to drivers.  The plates could be recycled by the supplier and re-issued.