Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors A Barker and M French.

Under the Code of Conduct members are reminded that in declaring interests you should make clear the nature of that interest and whether it is a disclosable pecuniary interest, registerable interest or other interest.

There were no declarations of interest.

Prior to the start of business, the Chair announced that it was the last meeting for the Environmental Health Team Manager, as he was leaving the authority.
Members thanked him for his support over the many years of service.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 13 September 2023.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 15 September 2023.

It was moved by Councillor J Simmons, seconded by Councillor A Wilson and 
 
RESOLVED THAT: 
 
The minutes of the meeting held on the 15 September 2023 be approved as an accurate record of proceedings. 

The report of the Environmental Health Team Manager

The Environmental Health Team Manager presented the report to Members.

During discussions it was suggested that the vote on the delegations in relation to the Licensing Act 2003 and Gambling Act 2005, as detailed in appendices A and B be taken individually.  Following legal advice, the Chair agreed.

The recommendation to approve the delegations at appendix A was moved by Councillor J Legrys and seconded by Councillor R Johnson.

RESOLVED THAT:

The delegations to the Licensing Sub Committee and officers as set out in appendix A be approved.

The recommendation to approve the delegations at appendix B was moved by Councillor J Simmons and seconded by Councillor P Moult.

RESOLVED THAT:

The delegations to the Licensing Sub Committee and officers as set out in appendix B be approved.

The report of the Environmental Health Team Manager

Prior to discussion, it was brought to attention by a Councillor that the Association of British Bookmakers had been changed to the British Gaming Council.  This was acknowledged by the Licensing Team Leader who confirmed that it did not affect the report.

The Licensing Team Leader presented the report to Members.

In response to a question, the Licensing Team Leader explained that the purpose of the interactive Map at appendix C was to provide a map referring to the frequency of gambling severity in each Local Authority.  It was noted that the summarised information could be found at appendix C.

A further question was asked in relation to how gambling problems were being dealt with locally.  It was noted that the Leicestershire County Council Public Health Service planned to tackle gambling harms, plus the district had made improvements with ID checks, risk assessments, safeguarding, as well as implementing the reduction of gambling stakes.

A discussion was had on illegal gambling and officers were asked if information in this area was available, a particular concern was the impact on vulnerable people.  The Licensing Team Leader reported that generally this was dealt with by the Gambling Commission.  It was noted that there was no information currently available on this matter, but it was something officers intended to investigate further.

The subject of Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) and stock trading was raised by a Member, expressing the gamification of websites which attracted people with gambling addictions.  Officers were asked if anything was being done by the Gambling Commission, Financial Services Authority or the Council to address this.  The Licensing Team Leader explained that this was not under the licensing remit but would be happy to supply appropriate links and support in contacting the relevant associations about it.  There was further discussion on the matter and how the industry was regulation.  Members shared concerns on this and online gambling in general.

It was moved by Councillor J Legrys, seconded by Councillor P Moult and

RECOMMENDED THAT:

1)      Council approves the proposed statement of licensing policy as attached at appendix 1 at its meeting on 5 November 2024.

2)      Council continue with the delegation to the Head of Community Services in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for the updating of the Local Area Profile.                                                               

The report of the Environmental Health Team Manager

The Environmental Health Team Manager presented the report to Members.

During discussions, questions were raised regarding how emissions would be reduced and whether the Council could influence the government to change its policy on buying external licence plates.  Reference was made to the recent operations by Wolverhampton City Council and the money they are investing in external licence plates, this has led to an influx of drivers licensed by this area, and unfortunately smaller authorities could not compete.  The Licensing Team Leader explained it was important to find balance between supporting the trade and being realistic with emission standards.

In addition to the Team Leader’s comments, the Environmental Health Team  Manager contributed by adding that the committee agreed to the Vehicle Emissions policy and has since reduced emissions standards overall.  

The discussion moved towards air quality and cross border problems, and the idea of joint enforcement operations with other Local Authorities was introduced by a Member.  At this point it was suggested that a recommendation be added for the Chief Executive to write to the Member of Parliament to offer their support with joint enforcement operations.  A debate ensued both for and against the proposed recommendation and it was not supported. However, Members did agree to the following recommendation:

‘That officers prepare a briefing note and arrange a briefing with the Member of Parliament to discuss a way forward nationally in addressing the external licence plate issue and joint enforcement.’

Members continued discussions on the matter and felt that the authority could potentially lead on the matter nationally with the Member of Parliament Support.

It was moved by Councillor J Legrys, seconded by Councillor P Lees and

RESOLVED THAT: 
 
The implementation of the Council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy Euro emissions standard be delayed by twelve months to 1 January 2026