Agenda and draft minutes

To receive apologies for absence.

No apologies were received.

To sign and confirm the minutes of the last meeting.

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 15 March 2022 were approved and signed by the Chairman.

To receive declarations of interests in respect of any item on the agenda.

None

To answer any written questions received from members of the public no later than 5 p.m. two clear working days prior to the meeting – for this meeting the deadline is 5 p.m. on ………………..

None

(A report by Anna McDowell, Senior Licesning Officer)

The Senior Licensing Officer presented a report which provided an update on progress in respect of the implementation and use of the National Register of Taxi and Private Hire Revocations and Refusals.

Members noted that the relevant extract of the Taxi & Private Hire Vehicle

Statutory Standards (Appendix 1) and the Taxi and Private Hire Vehicles (Safeguarding and Road Safety) Act 2022 and guidance (Appendix 2) were detailed within the report.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

(A report by Anna McDowell, Senior Licensing Officer)

The Senior Licensing Officer presented a report which explored the options to put in place alternative arrangements for the processing of enhanced DBS Disclosures for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire drivers.

RESOLVED:

That the following recommendations be made to Full Council:

1.          That the Authority surrender its DBS Registered Body status as from 1 January 2023 and that applicants for Enhanced DBS disclosures be directed to a Local Authority approved umbrella organisation for the processing of these application; and

2.          That the Authority’s driver licensing guidance be amended as from 1 January 2023 to reflect the above changes and that the fee structure be amended to remove the DBS fee of £40.00.

(A report by Anna McDowell, Senior Licensing Officer)

The Senior Licensing Officer presented a report which sought consideration of the response to consultations regarding the amendments to the Hackney Carriage Driver, Vehicle and Proprietor & Private Hire, Vehicle and Operator Policy and Guidance.

Members noted that the following items listed within the report as Appendix 1: Draft - A Guide for Hackney Carriage Drivers and Proprietors; and Draft – A Guide for Private Hire Drivers, Proprietors and Operators Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Policy.

RESOLVED:

That the adoption and publication of the policy and guidance documents be recommended to Full Council.