Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Ian Claymore and Mark Evans.

There were no declarations of interest.

[For approval.]

Resolved:

            That the minutes of the meeting held on 21 January 2015 be approved as a correct record.

[To consider as necessary.]

There were no matters arising in respect of the meeting held on 21 January 2015.

[To note.]

Resolved:

a)    That the report be received.

b)    That the meeting scheduled to take place on 29 April 2015 be cancelled due to a lack of business.

[To commission an independent survey to provide a detailed analysis of the current demand for Hackney Carriage services across the city and the ability of the existing fleet to meet that demand.] 

The Licensing Manager presented the report which sought approval to the commissioning of an independent Hackney Carriage Demand Survey, to provide a detailed analysis of the current demand for Hackney Carriage services across the city and the ability of the existing fleet to meet that demand. Responding to Councillor’s questions, he advised that the survey would adhere rigidly to Department of Transport best practice guidelines and that consultees would include representatives of the trade.

Resolved:

a)    That an independent Hackney Carriage Demand Survey be undertaken.

b)    That the existing Hackney Carriage age criteria be maintained, pending receipt of the survey.

[To note the request of the trade associations.]

Elaine Moreton, Section Leader (Licensing), presented the report which outlined the request of the Hackney Carriage trade associations to freeze Hackney Carriage fares for 2015 given the current economic climate.  

Resolved:

            That the report be received.

[To agree the policy and revisions for approval by Council]

Rob Edge, Section Leader (Licensing) presented the report, which advised the Committee of the responses to the consultation exercise carried out in regard to the Statement of Licensing Policy.  Copies of the draft, amended Statement of Licensing Policy were circulated at the meeting.  A full version of the consultee responses had been placed in the Councillor’s library area.  He further advised that the consultation had included the Vibrant, Safe and Sustainable Communities Scrutiny Panel, adding that the Panel had welcomed the proposals.

It was noted that there was a typographical error in the report, in that the Dudley Road Cumulative Impact Zone related to ‘on and off licences’.

Resolved:

a)    That the results of the consultation in regard to the Statement of Licensing Police be noted.

b)    That the revised Statement of Licensing Policy be agreed for submission to full Council for final approval and implementation.