Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Lanie Shears.

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

None.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 5 September 2024 be agreed and signed as a correct record by the Chair.

None.

None.

The Committee received a report on driving training for private hire and hackney carriage drivers.

The Committee agreed three amendments to the recommendations in the report, which were as follows:

      i)         Licensed drivers would be required to attend refresher training every two years, instead of every three years;

     ii)         The provision to allow drivers to submit proof of completing an equal or higher-level course provided by another licensing authority in lieu of a course offered by Harlow Council be removed; and

   iii)         The Chair of the Licensing Committee, and the relevant Assistant Director, would approve the specification of any training prior to award of contract.

RESOLVED that the Committee recommended to Full Council that:

A     The proposals in paragraphs 22-31 of the report for driver training standards and procedures be adopted, subject to the following amendments:

                             i)           Licensed drivers would be required to attend refresher training every two years, instead of every three years;

                            ii)           The provision to allow drivers to submit proof of completing an equal or higher-level course provided by another licensing authority in lieu of a course offered by Harlow Council be removed.

B     The driver training for licensees and applicants is outsourced to qualified training providers as proposed in paragraphs 32-36 of the report, subject to The Chair of the Licensing Committee, and the relevant Assistant Director, approving the specification of any training prior to award of contract.

The Committee received a report on a consultation for the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy.

RESOLVED that:

A    The Licensing Committee approved the proposed draft Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing policy (attached as Appendix A to the report) for consultation.

B    A further report to be presented to this committee which shall set out any representations received following a 6-week consultation.

RESOLVED that the work plan be noted.

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.