Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence for the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor McKenzie and Councillor Bright, with Councillor Cottle-Hunkin substituting.

Confirmation of the Minutes of the meeting held on 11 March 2020.

It was proposed by Councillor Clarke, seconded by Councillor James and –

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 11 March 2020 be agreed and signed as a correct record.

A recorded vote was taken.

(Vote: For 3, Abstentions 3)

Matters arising

Councillor Hames referred to minute 62 of the last meeting and asked as the Future High Street project bid was unsuccessful what would now happen with electric charging points? The Chair advised he is attending a meeting regarding the Future High Street project and moving forward, which will include looking at electric charging points.

Councillor Bushby joined the meeting at 10:04am   

Members with interests to declare should refer to the agenda item and describe the nature of their interest when the item is being considered.

Members were reminded that declarations of interest should be made as and when the specific agenda item to which they related was under discussion.

There were no Part II items.

There were no urgent matters.

To receive the report of the Lead Licensing Officer.

The Lead Licensing Officer presented the report, the purpose of which was to present the Committee an assessment of the Council’s current position in relation to the recommendations contained in the Department for Transport’s Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards (the standards) and to agree proposed actions.

During the presentation, the Lead Licensing Officer welcomed any questions or comments from the Committee. Various key standards were identified and discussed as they need consideration to send out in the informal policy review consultation process.

Following a query from the Chair the Lead Licensing Officer confirmed that he attends regular Zoom meeting with other Devon Local Authorities and they have been working together on this item.

Regarding standard number 11 the Chair suggested that the review of driver’s subscription to the DBS database be an annual requirement to which the Lead Licensing Officer confirmed that currently TDC require for this to be done every three years, however this should change to every 6 months and will be part of the review consultation process. Signing up to the DBS database is currently voluntary however making this a mandatory exercise needs to be considered.

Following a query from Councillor Bushby the Lead Licensing Officer confirmed that signing up to the DBS database would be made mandatory within the standards and put out for consultation. If drivers did not want this included, they would have to give good reason as to why not. 

Councillor Hames recommended that standard number 19 – guidance of TDC’s complaint procedure be displayed in vehicles - be implemented, the Lead Licensing Officer said it could be.

Regarding standard number 25 – safeguarding training for drivers – Councillor Bushby suggested a separate document be comprised containing the relevant safeguarding information that could be signed and kept as evidence instead of physical attendance of training. The Lead Licensing Officer advised safeguarding is currently in the policy under Code of Conduct however a separate document could easily be implemented.

Following concern from both Councillor Bushby and Councillor Hames regarding standard number 28 – installation of CCTV in vehicles – the Lead Licensing Officer agreed. There would be a lot of legal issues surrounding this with regards to privacy and data protection, a lot of research and consideration would need to be given. Suggestion was made to isolate this standard and that it would need a separate document.

Councillor Hames asked why standard number 32 was necessary to which the Lead Licensing Officer advised information given to an operator could be used for criminal activity and evidence shows of cases in the past, therefore it has been added as a standard. 

The Lead Licensing Officer confirmed to Councillor Bushby that these standards cover safeguarding with drivers not the actual vehicles driven. The points system that TDC operates does not include the condition, age and environmental impact of the vehicles and is more for indiscretion. 

Following suggestion from the Chair the Lead Licensing Officer advised that the new driver package and licence renewals could  ...  view the full minutes text for item 71.

To receive the report of the Lead Licensing Officer.

The Lead Licensing Officer presented the report the purpose of which was to present to the Committee a revised schedule for the review of the Council’s Licensing Policy for Taxis and Private Hire Licences.

Following a query from Councillor Hames, the Lead Licensing Officer confirmed that the consultation will be conducted in a way of a survey on the Council’s website. Part of the policy that covers vehicles will be referred to the Councillor Climate Change Working Group to put forward recommendations. Other publicity will be done to target specific groups that use Taxis and Private Hire vehicles.

Councillor Bushby suggested contacting Bideford Bridge Trust as they provide vouchers for the elderly to which the Lead Licensing Officer advised he would include them in the consultation.

It was agreed that the Lead Licensing Officer would liaise with the Chair on the consultation before sending it out.

It was proposed by Councillor James, seconded by Councillor Bushby and –

Resolved:

That Members approve the proposed the revised consultation process for the Taxi Licensing Policy.

A recorded vote was taken.

(Vote: Unanimous)

Councillor Hackett did not take part in this vote as he lost connection. However, he did phone the Senior Electoral and Democratic Services Officer while the meeting was still in progress to say he votes in favour of this item.

The Lead Licensing Officer advised the Taxi Policy review be included on both the 17^th March and 12^th May agenda and the Gambling Policy consultation be included on the 12^th May as well.

Following a query from the Chair asking if anything had been received from the Taxi Drivers Liaison Committee the Lead Licensing Officer confirmed not yet. Due to COVID meetings had not been held as usual however after this meeting he is hoping to start them up again.

A brief discussion took place regarding passengers not using the rear of the vehicle when travelling and making vehicles COVID safe The Lead Licensing Officer advised drivers had been sent information from the Department of Health and screens were optional. Guidance has also been sent regarding passengers using the rear of vehicles, unfortunately the Authority cannot enforce this.

Following a query form Councillor Bushby the Lead Licensing Officer confirmed he would pursue the signage for the Taxi feeder rank.