Agenda and minutes

To seek nominations for the election of Chair for this sub-committee meeting.

It was proposed, seconded and

RESOLVED:

That Councillor Rachel Hood be elected Chair for this sub-committee meeting.

There were no apologies for absence.

Any member who is substituting for another member should so indicate, together with the name of the relevant absent member.

There were no substitutes present.

Members are reminded of their responsibility to declare any pecuniary or local non pecuniary interest which they have in any item of business on the agenda, no later than when that item is reached and, when appropriate, to leave the meeting prior to discussion and voting on the item.

There were no declarations of interest made.

To consider whether the press and public should be excluded during the consideration of the following items because it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the public were present during the items, there would be disclosure to them of exempt categories of information as prescribed in Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, and indicated against each item and, in all circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

It was proposed, seconded and unanimously

RESOLVED:

That the press and public be excluded during the consideration of the following item because it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the public were present during the item, there would be disclosure to them of exempt categories of information as prescribed in Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, and indicated against the item and, in all circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Report No: LSC/WS/23/003

The Business Partner (Litigation/Licensing) welcomed all present to the Hearing, reported that no declarations of interest had been received and introductions to all parties were made.  He also drew attention to the procedure for the conduct of the Hearing as attached to the agenda.

The Licensing Officer presented the report which explained that Members were requested to determine an application for a combined Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Driver’s Licence under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, Part 2.

Members needed to be satisfied that the applicant was a fit and proper person to hold a licence issued by the Council.

The Officer then drew attention to the documentation submitted at Appendices A to D of report number LSC/WS/23/003.

The applicant, together with five close friends/family members, attended the meeting.  One of whom primarily presented the applicant’s case and answered Members’ questions.

Two further individuals within the group also aided the response to particular questions and spoke in support of the applicant.

Following which the applicant, all friends/family and the Licensing Officer left the meeting to allow the Sub-Committee to give further consideration to the matter.

Following all parties return to the meeting room the Chair of the Sub-Committee advised on the Sub-Committee’s decision.

With the vote being unanimous, it was 

RESOLVED:

That, having taken into account all representations received both in writing and orally, considered alongside the Licensing Authority’s duty to protect the public, the Sub-Committee resolved to GRANT A HACKNEY CARRIAGE/PRIVATE HIRE LICENCE FOR 12 MONTHS.

In closing the meeting, the Chair advised the applicant that the Sub-Committee had departed from the Council’s Policy and made an exception to grant a licence for a period of 12 months (as opposed to the standard 3-year period). However, if any convictions or other concerns regarding their conduct as a licensed driver arose before renewal of the licence, the renewal will be determined by another Sub-Committee who would address any further conviction, or other concerns, together with the matters considered by the Sub-Committee at this Hearing.