Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors Michael Roe and Martin E Thacker MBE JP.

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 of the General Licensing Committee held on 7 November 2024.  

RESOLVED - That the Minutes of the meeting held on 7 November 2024 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Report of Environmental Health Team Manager (Licensing).

The Environmental Health Team Manager (Licensing) presented a report to consider the consultation responses to the review of the licence fees for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicles, Drivers, and Operators, and then approve the proposed fees in Appendix 1 with the responses in mind.

The Environmental Health Team Manager (Licensing) explained to the Committee that the fee increases had been proposed because of changes in case law and to prevent the Licensing Service from operating at a loss.

Members referred to the Licensing Service potentially “operating at a loss” and requested a breakdown of the figures involved. The Environmental Health Team Manager (Licensing) agreed to provide this to Members.

Members discussed the consultation responses. The Environmental Health Team Manager (Licensing) explained that the primary objection by drivers had been cost.

Members requested a figure at future meetings of the Committee for the number of drivers since the fees changed (if the changes were approved) to show the impact the increase was having on the number of drivers. The Environmental Health Team Manager (Licensing) agreed to provide this to Members.

Members discussed if all drivers would be made aware of the reasons for the change. The Environmental Health Team Manager (Licensing) explained that the Licensing Service section of the Council website had been revised, so information could be included there.

RESOLVED –

(1)          The Committee considered the responses to the consultation and the officer comments and explanations.

(2)          The Committee approved the fees as advertised.

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

None.