Agenda and minutes

To receive as a correct record the Minutes of meeting held on 6^th February 2025 (previously circulated). 

The minutes of the meeting held on 6^th February 2025 were signed by the Chair as a correct record.

There were no items of urgent business.

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.

With the agreement of the Committee the Chair amended the order of the agenda to take item 8 – Determination of a renewal application of a dual driver’s licence (Hackney Carriage/Private) and Item 9 – Decision taken in respect of a Dual Drivers Licence, first.

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 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 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. 

It was moved by Councillor Maddocks, seconded by Councillor Blaikie and unanimously agreed:

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 they 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 Officer for the purpose of determining a dual driver’s licence (Hackney Carriage and Private Hire) renewal application. Details of the individual case and the Chair’s summary of the decision are set out in Exempt Minute No.45 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 45.

Report of the Licensing Manager

The Licensing Manager presented a report which notified the Committee of an urgent decision taken by the Licensing Manager in consultation with the Chair of Licensing Committee in respect of a dual driver’s licence.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.

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

Report of the Licensing Officer

The Licensing Officer presented the annual report to members of Licensing Committee on private hire/hackney carriage related matters, including volume of applications, complaints, and enforcement activity.

Members asked a number of questions in relation to driver numbers and accessible vehicles.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.

Report of the Licensing Officer

The Licensing Manager presented a report which sought the approval of the proposed Licensing Work Plan for 2025.

The proposed Work Plan was appended to the report for the Committee’s consideration.

Members asked a number of questions in relation to selling cars on the street and street trading/peddling. With regard to street trading the Licensing Manager advised that this had been flagged up as an issue but that it was a massive piece of work which would involve looking at the City Council’s policies.

Councillor Maddocks, Cabinet Members with responsibility for Corporate Services advised the Committee that the Street Trading Policy was a City Council priority and that she would raise the issue with Cabinet.

It was moved by Councillor Hanson, seconded by Councillor Deery and unanimously agreed:

Resolved:

That the Licensing Work Plan for 2025 be approved.