Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Michael Garnett, Tony Hall and Lanie Shears.

Councillors’ declarations of interest (if any) in relation to any matters on the agenda.

None.

In response to Councillor Churchill’s question regarding the work plan, Councillor Mason confirmed that the advice received from Governance was that the preference is for the whole year to be included on the work plan so the pathway for each item could be followed.  

The Committee noted that Michael Pitt, Environment and Licensing Manager, circulated a note to provide an explanation on what the risk categories A to E represent.

Michael Pitt advised the Committee that the consultation on electronic payment of fares in Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicles had gone live. Consultation finishes on 14 February 2020.  

Councillor Mason confirmed a petition had been received on electronic payment in Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicles. It did not have enough signatures to trigger the petitions procedure, however, the number of signatures had been considered as significant for the matter. The petition would therefore be considered as part of the consultation which had gone live. The Council had written to the lead petitioner to confirm this.

The Committee noted that Electronic Payment of Fares in Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicles – Outcome of Consultation needs to be added to the work plan for the committee on 10 March 2020.

Michael Pitt advised the Committee that updated Licensing Committee Terms of Reference would be brought to the next meeting for recommendation to Full Council.

The Committee received a report on an overview of matters relevant to any licensing requirements regarding the use of CCTV in Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicles. Councillor Johnson requested further details on the estimated prices provided in paragraphs 24 and 25.

RESOLVED that:

A     The Committee noted the report.

B     A further report would be presented to the Committee following the publication of guidance arising from the Department for Transport’s consultation “Taxi and Private Hire Vehicles Licensing: Protection of Users, Statutory Guidance for Licensing”.

Any references arising from meetings held after the publication of this agenda will be circulated separately.

None.

Such other business which, in the opinion of the Chair, should be received as a matter of urgency by reason of special circumstances to be specified in the minutes.

None.