Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor M Potts.

Members are requested to declare the existence and nature of any disclosable pecuniary interests and/or other interests, not already on their register of interests, in any item on the agenda and withdraw from the meeting at the appropriate time.

None.

To approve as a correct record and the Chair to sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 21 October 2021.

To approve as a correct record and the Chair to sign the Minutes of the special meeting held on 16 December 2021.

RESOLVED

That the Minutes of the meeting held on 21 October 2021 and the special meeting held on 16 December 2021 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Report of the Assistant Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer.

The Committee considered the arrangements for General Licensing Committee and General Licensing Sub-Committee meetings for the 2022-23 Municipal Year.  The report included proposals for a possible schedule of attendees for Committee and Sub-Committee meetings. It also raised for discussion the future procedural arrangements for the deferral of Sub-Committee hearings, when an Applicant or Licence Holder could not be present.

Members discussed the proposals extensively. Concerns were raised on specific issues, such as the possible criteria for determining when hearings should be held in the absence of an Applicant or Licence Holder and whether an upper limit should be placed on those who could attend meetings in support of Applicants or Licence Holders. At the conclusion of the discussion Members felt that the proposals should be discussed further at a future meeting of the Committee.

RESOLVED

That the report be noted.

Update by the Joint Assistant Director Environmental Health Services and the Assistant Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer

The Environmental Health Team Manager (Licensing) updated Members on recent relevant changes to national legislation and policy for Licensing.

Members were reminded that the Council policies for Driver Policy, Vehicle Policy and Operator Policy were originally published in 2018, and a review of them was undertaken by General Licensing Committee in 2021 before they were approved by Council on 23 May 2022.

Members were also informed about the implementation of the Council’s the CCTV in Taxis Policy and recent changes to the arrangements for disability access for vehicles. Members were informed that from 28 June 2022 the Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022 came into effect, which would require drivers to consider a number of new changes.

Committee also heard of Government proposals set out in the ‘Levelling Up’ white paper on the devolution of public transport powers and resources.  Members asked to receive further information, as appropriate.

RESOLVED

That the Update be noted.

Report of the Assistant Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer.

The report to Committee report to set out the training and development opportunities for General Licensing Committee Members during the 2022-23 Municipal Year, including the opportunity for on-line training.

RESOLVED

That:

(1)           The Committee noted the proposed training and development opportunities for Licensing Committee Members during the 2022-23 municipal year.

(2)           Officers, in consultation with the Chair, identify appropriate dates for the specific development events to be held.

(3)           Members consider individually what additional training they might require to carry out their roles as Licensing Committee Members.

(4)           Members consider collectively what additional training the Committee as a whole might be appropriate to help it to carry out its responsibilities more effectively.

To consider any other matter which the Chair of the Committee is of the opinion should be considered as a matter of urgency.

None.