Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Joel Charles and Clive Souter.

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

None.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 18 January 2022 are agreed and signed as a correct record by the Chair.

None.

None.

Michael Pitt, Assistant Director Environment, advised that the report on the DfT Language Proficiency Testing had proven to be more problematic than expected and would need to be carried over to the next municipal year’s work plan. As a result, the report on DfT Overarching Taxi and Private Hire Standards would also need to be carried over and would come to Committee in September 2022.

Michael Pitt advised the Committee that the reports on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on licensing procedures and an update report on street drinking would come to Committee in July 2022.

RESOLVED that the work plan was noted.

The Committee received a report on the response to the Gambling Policy consultation and the proposed Gambling Act 2005 Licensing Policy Statement.

RESOLVED that:

A     The Licensing Committee recommend to Full Council adoption of the Gambling Licensing Policy Statement for the purposes of the Gambling Act 2005 as proposed in the body of the report and attached as Appendix A to the report.  

The Committee received a report on the licensing process for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire drivers license durations and medical certificate requirements.

RESOLVED that:

A     The Licensing Committee recommends to Full Council that the licensing process for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire drivers continue to permit 1-year and 3- year licence applications.

B     The Licensing Committee notes the procedural change to medical certification requirements that will allow drivers the option to apply for a 3-year licence at each renewal.

C     Subject to A and B, the timescale for the introduction of the procedural changes be implemented as agreed by the Assistant Director Environment and the Chair of the Licensing Committee to allow administrative and software adjustments to be made.

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.