Agenda and minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 10 November 2020 are attached for confirmation and signature as a current record.

The minutes of 10 November 2020 were agreed and confirmed and signed as a correct record.

To receive any apologies for absence from Members*.

*Note: Members are asked to email Committee Services in advance of the meeting as soon as they become aware they will be absent.

Apologies received from Councillor Davies.

To declare disclosable pecuniary, and any other, interests*.

*Note: Members are asked to email Committee Services in advance of the meeting as soon as they become aware they may have an interest to declare.

None declared.

The Chairman reiterated thanks to all Officers who have been working hard and now with the ‘road map’ out of Lockdown there will be more legislation and changes ahead.

To adopt the Council’s updated Taxi and Private Hire Policy which sets out the approach to the administration of the Taxi and Private Hire licensing functions under the Town Centre Police Clauses Act 1847 and the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.

RECOMMENDATION

1.    Adopts Taxi and Private Hire Policy;

2.    Agree to consult the relevant organisations on the proposal to make the ability to make card payment in vehicles mandatory;

3.    Agree that the Council joins the National Anti-Fraud Network (NAFN) and uses the NR3 system for Licensing Purposes;

Authorise the Head of Place in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Regulatory to make minor alterations and typographical corrections to the document before it is published.

The Committee considered the Council’s updated Taxi and Private Hire Policy which sets out the approach to the administration of the Taxi and Private Hire licensing functions under the Town Centre Police Clauses Act 1847 and the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.

Members discussed:

·       Card payments in vehicles and the benefits to both customers and drivers.

·       If agreed, a 12-week consultation will be required with drivers and vehicle proprietors to submit their comments on the proposed change to licensing vehicle conditions.

·       What would happen if the technology fails and the Committee were assured the drivers will still be offering to take cash payments.

·       The cost for joining the National Anti-Fraud Network (NAFN) and possible rises in that cost in the future.

·       Potential for passing on the NAFN cost and how much that could be for each driver with the possibility of other services making use of the NR3 system thereby reducing that cost overall.

·       Keeping a record of how many times the NR3 system is used, if agreed.

DECISION

1.    That the Taxi and Private Hire Policy be adopted.

2.    To consult the relevant organisations on the proposal to make the ability to make card payment in vehicles mandatory.

3.    That the Council joins the National Anti-Fraud Network (NAFN) and uses the NR3 system for Licensing Purposes.

That the Head of Place in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Regulatory be authorised to make minor alterations and typographical corrections to the document before it is published.

To adopt the Gambling Policy.

RECOMMENDATION

1.    Adopt the Council’s Gambling Policy (Statement of Principles Gambling Act 2005 Joint Statement of Licensing Policy);

Authorise the Head of Place in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Regulation to make minor alterations and typographical corrections to the document before it is published.

To adopt the Council’s Gambling Policy. Members asked for clarification that nothing has changed since the Consultation and were advised there have been no changes in the gambling policy since 2019.

DECISION

1.    That the Council’s Gambling Policy (Statement of Principles Gambling Act 2005 Joint Statement of Licensing Policy) be adopted.

That the Head of Place in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Regulation be authorised to make minor alternations and typographical corrections to the document before it is published.