Agenda and minutes

To agree the minutes of the meetings held on 22 July 2020 and 12 July 2022 as a correct record.

It was moved by Councillor Bateson and seconded by Councillor Grant that Councillor Sandra Dunn be appointed as Chairman for the meeting in the absence of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman.

The Committee resolved to appoint Councillor Sandra Dunn as Chairman for the meeting.

The minutes of the meetings held on 22 July 2020 and 12 July 2022 were agreed as a correct record.

To receive any disclosures of interest from Councillors in accordance with the

Council's Code of Conduct for Members.

There were none.

To consider approval of the proposed fees and charges for consultation purposes and statutory advertising requirements.

The Principal Licensing Officer presented the proposed fees and charges for the Licensing of Hackney Carriages, Private Hire and Private Hire Operators prior to undergoing a consultation period. She provided a summary of how the fees had been calculated and the anticipated change to annual income the proposed changes would generate.

The Principal Licensing Officer explained that the report required two alterations under the proposed fees: the “New Driver Private Hire (3 Year)” fee should be £376.81, and the “Renewal Driver Private Hire (3 year)” fee should be moved from the 1 year fee column to the 3 year fee column.

The Committee noted the calculations had taken the rise in cost-of-living expenses into consideration, and though some of the fees had reduced there would still be a slight increase to annual income. The Committee acknowledged the fees were in line with neighbouring authorities but could not be directly compared due differing practices between authorities.

The Committee discussed the proposed options and agreed that keeping the wheelchair accessible vehicle discount would provide an incentive for operators to utilise accessible vehicles.

The Committee resolved to agree to consult with the taxi trade on the proposed fees and charges keeping the wheelchair accessible vehicle discount.

To receive an update on future Committee business.

The Committee received a verbal update from the Senior Solicitor on future committee business.

The Senior Solicitor provided an overview of policies would be reviewed in 2023 and the estimated dates for presentation to the Committee.

The Committee resolved to note the update on future committee business.