Agenda and minutes

Minutes of meeting held on 6^th January 2022 (previously circulated). 

The minutes of the meeting held on 6^th January 2022 were signed by the Chair as a correct record.

The Chair advised that he had accepted one item of urgent business regarding the final draft of the Taxi Licensing Policy. 

In accordance with Section 100B (4) (b) of the Local Government Act 1972, the Chair had agreed for the item to be considered at this meeting.  The item was considered as urgent business as there was a requirement to consider this item of business prior to the next scheduled meeting of the Committee. 

It was reported that at the meeting of the 6^th January 2022 the Committee had resolved to approve the final draft of the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy and refer it to Full Council for adoption with an implementation date of 1^st April 2022 (minute 38).

The Solicitor advised that the view of the Monitoring Officer was that there was no requirement for the policy to also be approved by the Full Council and therefore the Policy could be approved by the Licencing Committee alone. The Committee were still able to refer the matter to Full Council for noting if they felt it was necessary.

Resolved;

That the final draft of the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy is approved by the Licensing Committee with a suggested implementation date of 1st April 2022.

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.

Report of the Licensing Manager

The Chair called for nominations for two Licensing Sub-Committee Chairs following the resignations of two previous Sub-Chairs.

Councillors Roger Dennison and Abi Mills advised the Committee that they would be happy to nominate themselves for the role of Licensing Sub-Committee Chair.

There being no further nominations the Chair confirmed that Councillor Roger Dennison and Councillor Abi Mills be appointed Chairs of the Licensing Sub-Committee.

Resolved:

(1)        That Councillor Roger Dennison and Councillor Abi Mills be appointed Chairs of the Licensing Sub-Committee.

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

“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 item of business, on the ground that it could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information, as defined in paragraph 1 of Schedule 12A of that Act.” 

Councillors are reminded that, whilst the following item has been marked as exempt, it is for the Committee to decide whether or not to consider it 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 item of business on the grounds that it could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information.

It was moved by Councillor Roger Dennison and seconded by Councillor Mel Guilding:

“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 item of business, on the grounds that it could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information, as defined in Paragraph 1 of Schedule 12A of that Act.”

A vote was taken and 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 item of business, on the grounds it could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information, as defined in Paragraph 1 of Schedule 12A of that Act

Report of the Licensing Manager

The Committee received the report of the Licensing Manager for the purpose of determining a review of an existing dual Drivers Licence.

Details of the individual case and the Chair’s summary of the decision are set out in Exempt Minute No. 46 in accordance with Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972.

Decision of the Committee:

The decision of the Committee is set out in Exempt Minute No 46.