Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Thompson.

Councillor Robinson-Payne declared a personal interest in item number 8 as she had known the applicant over 30 years ago but had not had any recent contact with him. In accordance with the Council's Constitution, Councillor Robinson-Payne was allowed to both speak and vote at the meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on 29 November 2021 were confirmed.

The Committee received and considered the report from the Licensing & Elections Manager.

The Licensing & Elections Manager reported that following approval of the Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards which were issued by the Department for Transport, a review of the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy had been undertaken.

The Licensing & Elections Manager reported that the current policy had been amended to include several proposed amendments to incorporate new procedures and legislation and was attached within the agenda report.

The Licensing & Elections Manager reported that the key changes were as follows:-

(i) Drivers

• 6 monthly checks using the DBS update service
• Improvements to the Local Knowledge Test to include a written element
• Updated Convictions Policy
• To utilise the NR3 database which was a national register of refusals and revocations
• To add the requirement for a HMRC tax check for renewals of Drivers and Operators which became law on 4 April 2022. This also affected Scrap Metal Dealers.

(ii) Vehicles

• The requirement for a Basic DBS for HC and Private Hire proprietors

(iii) Operators

• The requirement for a Basic DBS for operator base staff - to include staff receiving and making bookings.

The draft policy had been subject to 6 weeks consultation and 2 comments were received which were attached to the agenda report.

RESOLVED:-

That the Committee approve the draft policy as the new Taxi Licensing Policy.

The Chairman reported that there was no other business being of sufficient urgency to warrant consideration at the meeting.

RESOLVED:-

That under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 1 of Part I of Schedule 12(A) of the said Act.