Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Bensly, Stenhouse and Weymouth.

There were no declarations declared at the meeting.

The Committee received and considered the licensing Manager's report which asked Members to consider a request for a one off payment to assist with the additional costs that Hackney Carriage Drivers have incurred for the first time this year as a result of the new Licensing Policy.

The Licensing Manager reported that a new Taxi Licensing policy was introduced with effect from the 1 April 2016 which included a new requirement for all Hackney Carriage Drivers to be fit to the medical standard of a Group 2 driver (DVLA Drivers Medical Group) the same standards that are applicable to other professional drivers. She advised that to date this had affected three drivers who have paid privately to undertake further tests in order to pass the Group 2 Standard for their renewal application.

Members were advised that one written request had been received so far asking for remuneration. Councillor Grant pointed out the possibility of a further two drivers requesting remuneration.

Members entered into a general debate to discuss various aspects of the Licensing Managers report.

RESOLVED :

That the Committee declined to make a contribution towards the cost incurred for the additional medical tests.

The Licensing Manager introduced Members to the newly appointed Enforcement Officer, she advised that the Officer was currently revising the knowledge test that all Taxi Drivers have to undertake.

The Chairman asked whether it would be possible for a letter to be hand delivered by the Enforcement Officer to Drivers to reiterate the need for Officers to be made aware of convictions held.

Councillor Robinson-Payne asked whether DBS checks were carried out on ice cream van employees, and she was advised that Ice cream vans currently fall under the remit of Street Traders and as such are not licensed by the Council.