Decision details

The Cabinet will be asked to consider the recommendations of the Licensing and Regulatory Committee in respect of whether the relevant Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) Level 2 qualification should be required for all new and existing Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Drivers in the Borough.  This policy change will also be subject to full Council approval.

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL: (20 December 2016)

That:

(1)     the results of the recent consultation with Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Vehicle Drivers and customers on the proposal to adopt a BTEC Level 2 Certificate ‘Introduction to the role of Professional Taxi and Private Hire Driver’, as detailed in Report No: LIC/SE/16/005,  be noted;

(2)     the change in requirements for all new drivers to complete the BTEC Level 2 Certificate be adopted; and, additionally

(3)    

(a)     existing drivers be required to attend half-day training covering specific issues of concern including safeguarding vulnerable people, assisting customers with disabilities and customer care provided at no cost to attendees; and

(b)     the Disciplinary Code for Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Vehicles be amended to reflect that should existing drivers fail to comply with (3)(a) above, this would constitute a contravention of this Code, and as a consequence, he/she will be required to obtain the full BTEC Level 2 Certificate referred to in (2) above.