Agenda and minutes

Minutes of meeting held on 24 October 2019 (previously circulated). 

The Minutes of the meeting held on 24^th October 2019 were signed by the Chair as a correct record.

There were no items of urgent business authorised by the Chair.

To receive declarations by Councillors of interests in respect of items on this Agenda.

Councillors are reminded that, in accordance with the Localism Act 2011, they are required to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests which have not already been declared in the Council’s Register of Interests. (It is a criminal offence not to declare a disclosable pecuniary interest either in the Register or at the meeting.) 

Whilst not a legal requirement, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 9 and in the interests of clarity and transparency, Councillors should declare any disclosable pecuniary interests, which they have already declared in the Register, at this point in the meeting. 

In accordance with Part B, Section 2 of the Code of Conduct, Councillors are required to declare the existence and nature of any other interests, as defined in paragraphs 8(1) or 9(2) of the Code of Conduct. 

There were no declarations of interest.

The Committee is recommended to pass the following recommendation in relation to the following items:

“That, in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business, on the grounds that they could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information, as defined in paragraph 1 of Schedule 12A of that Act.”

Councillors are reminded, whilst the following items have been marked as exempt, it is for the Committee to decide whether or not to consider them in private or in public.  In making the decision, Councillors should consider the relevant paragraph of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, and also whether the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.  In considering their discretion, Councillors should also be mindful of the advice of Council officers.

The Chair advised Members that it had been recommended to exclude the press and public from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information.

It was moved by Councillor Pritchard and seconded by Councillor Joan Jackson:

“That, in accordance with Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business, on the grounds that they could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information, as defined in Paragraph 1 of Schedule 12A of that Act.”

A vote was taken and the motion was unanimously carried.

Resolved:

That, in accordance with Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business, on the grounds that they could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information, as defined in Paragraph 1 of Schedule 12A of that Act. 

With the Committee’s agreement, and at the Chair’s suggestion, the agenda was re-ordered for the convenience of Mr. Aulich.

Report of Licensing Manager (to follow)

The Committee received the report of the Licensing Manager for the purpose of reviewing the suitability of Mr. Andrew John Aulich to continue to operate as a dual driver in the Lancaster District, having regard to complaints from members of the public regarding his conduct and behaviour.

Details of the individual case and the Chair’s summary of the decision are set out in Exempt Minute No. 30, in accordance with Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972.

Decision of the Committee:

That, based on the Licensing Manager’s report, the Committee resolves that Mr. Aulich be issued with a warning regarding his conduct/behaviour.

Report of Commercial Protection Manager

The Committee received the report of the Commercial Protection Manager for the purpose of determining the suitability of Mr. Mohammed Adeel to be a licensed hackney carriage/private hire driver in the Lancaster District, given the information contained in the report and any other additional information by Mr. Adeel.

Details of the individual case and the Chair’s summary of the decision are set out in Exempt Minute No. 31, in accordance with Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972.

Decision of the Committee:

That, based on the Commercial Protection Manager’s report and Mr. Adeel’s written representation, the Committee resolves that the decision be deferred until Mr. Adeel is able to demonstrate, to officers’ satisfaction, evidence of adequate relevant topographical knowledge.

The press and public were readmitted to the meeting at this point.

Report of Commercial Protection Manager

The Committee received the report of the Commercial Protection Manager to seek the Committee’s approval (with or without modification) of the proposed Licensing Work Plan 2020, which was attached as Appendix 1 to the report. 

The Licensing Work Plan, as proposed, provided an overview of planned project work for the year 2020 in relation to Licensing Act activities, taxi licensing and street trading.  It contained reviews and developments that the Licensing Manager considered to be key priorities and deliverable within the timeframe set. 

It was proposed by Councillor Parr and seconded by Councillor Pritchard:

“(1)      That the proposed Licensing Work Plan 2020 (attached as Appendix 1 to the         Minutes) be approved.

(2)        That additional projects be added to reflect changes to national guidance,   legislation, case law, or other relevant considerations.”

A vote was taken and the motion was unanimously carried.

Resolved:

(1)        That the proposed Licensing Work Plan 2020 (attached as Appendix 1 to the         Minutes) be approved.

(2)        That additional projects be added to reflect changes to national guidance,   legislation, case law or other relevant considerations.