Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence for the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Bushby.

Confirmation of the Minutes of the meeting held on 27^th October 2021, 1^st December 2021 and 16^th March 22.

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

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 27^th October 2021 be agreed and recorded as a correct record.

(Vote: For - Unanimous)

The minutes from the meetings held on 1^st December 2021 and 16^th March 2022 were noted.     

The action list was discussed and updated.

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.

Councillor Hackett left the room at 10.03am.

There were no urgent matters.

To receive the report of the Lead Licensing Officer.

The Lead Licensing Officer presented this report, the purpose of which was to review and update the Authority’s current licensing policy for small commercial vessels in use for sport or pleasure.

A brief discussion took place where the Lead Licensing Officer confirmed that this policy refers specifically to the hire of vessels and that any comments should be raised through the consultation.

It was confirmed that the consultation would be circulated.

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

Resolved:

1)    that the consultation process be approved;

2)    that the consultation on the draft policy be carried out over a 6-week period and the responses reported back to this committee at a future date.

(Vote: For - Unanimous)

Councillor Hackett was absent for the vote.

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 the revised Licensing Policy for Taxis and Private Hire Licenses.

Following the presentation of the report the Lead Licensing Officer referred to page 65 of the report – section 1.1 and the first bullet point. He asked the Committee if four years was a long enough period for all vehicles to meet or exceed the Euro 6 Emissions standard?

A discussion took place where it was asked how many vehicles currently meet this expectation? The Lead Licensing Officer advised he would ascertain this information and circulate to the Committee.

It was proposed by Councillor Inch, seconded by Councillor Harding and –

Resolved:

That the time frame to meet the requirements increase from 4 years to 6 years.

(Vote: For 2, Against 4, Abstentions 1)

Councillor Hackett was absent for the vote.

It was proposed by Councillor McKenzie, seconded by Councillor Hames and –

Resolved:

That the revised policy be approved and commence on the 1^{st of} June 2022.

(Vote: For - Unanimous)

Councillor Hackett returned to the room at 10.19am but did not take part in the vote.

To receive the report of the Lead Licensing Officer.

The Lead Licensing Officer presented the report, the purpose of which was to inform the Committee of the results of a recent fare consultation with hackney carriage proprietors and to consider whether to increase the existing fare tariff.

Four members of the Taxi Liaison Committee attended the meeting.

The Lead Licensing Officer referred to page 97 of the report and advised that in Table 1 - Option C should state £2.60 per mile thereafter not £2.80. He then explained the affect this had on the fare. 

A member of the Taxi Liaison Committee addressed the Licensing Committee and explained which increased option he would prefer.

A discussion took place where it was confirmed, whichever option was agreed would be the maximum amount that could be charged and if individual taxi drivers wanted, they could charge less.

Following a query, it was advised that fares would be reviewed again in 12 months’ time.

The discussion progressed to the comparison of other Authority’s within Devon and their charges. The Chair advised it was hard to compare due to population density and the night-time economies. 

It was proposed by Councillor Clarke, seconded by Councillor Hames that Option A be approved.

Following further discussion, it was proposed by Councillor Inch, seconded by Councillor Hackett that Option B be approved.

A vote was then taken on the proposal by Councillor Clarke and seconded by Councillor Hames and –

Resolved:

That Option A to increase the existing fares be approved and the proposed fares advertised for a period of no less than 14 days as required by s65(2) if the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976; and provided there are no objections, the proposed fares be introduced on 1^st June 2022.

(Vote – For 4, Against 3, Abstention 1)

No vote was taken on the motion to approve Option B.

The Forward Plan was discussed and updated.