Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors M French and D Harrison.

The Chairman informed the Committee that Councillor D J Stevenson was very ill and had been admitted to LOROS Hospice.  Members agreed that a letter of support be sent on behalf of the Committee.

Under the Code of Conduct members are reminded that in declaring disclosable interests you should make clear the nature of that interest and whether it is ‘Pecuniary’ or ‘Non-Pecuniary’.

There were no declarations of interest.

To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 11 September 2019.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 11 September 2019.

RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the meeting held on 11 September 2019 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

The report of the Environmental Health Team Manager

The Environmental Health Team Manager presented the report to Members setting out the proposed changes to the policy and licensing conditions to private hire operators following the review.

In response to a question from Councillor S Sheahan, it was recognised that five from 33 private hire operators was a small sample size; however, it did suggest that the lack of response demonstrated that there was no objection.  Councillor D Everitt urged caution in the assumption as he had experienced the opposite during a past consultation in relation to a housing matter.  Councillor S Sheahan felt he would have more confidence if the sample size had been larger.

Following a further question from Councillor S Sheahan with regard to nuisance parking and how this would be identified and enforced, it was noted that any allegations of nuisance parking would be investigated over a period of time in order that an assessment be made. Any resultant actions taken would be proportionate to the offence. Councillor M B Wyatt welcomed the inclusion of this in the policy as he had witnessed such offences on a daily basis and it often caused congestion and potential hazards.

Councillor T Eynon asked for details of the source and costs of the proposed training on child exploitation and was reassured to learn that the training would be provided in house with the support of an external trainer and the cost to each trainee was just £18 per session.

Councillor M D Hay sought clarification on the vetting procedures for staff and was reassured that the policy would ensure that proper procedures were in place for dealing with any complaints brought to the attention of operators.

It was moved by Councillor J Hoult, seconded by Councillor M B Wyatt and

RESOLVED THAT:

1)     The Draft Private Hire Operator Licence Conditions as set out in appendix 1 be approved.

2)     The Draft Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Fit and Proper Policy be approved.

3)     Authority to make amendments to the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy and Private Hire Operator Licence Conditions to reflect changes in legislation and central government policy and guidance, be delegated to the Environmental Health Team Manager.