To confirm the minutes of the meetings held on 11 February and 17 May 2016 (LC.11 - LC.13 and LC.1 – LC.2) and the meetings of the Licensing and Appeals Hearings Panel held on 23 March, 3 May and 16 May 2016 (LAHP.12 – LAHP.15, LAHP.16 – LAHP.18 and LAHP.19 – LAHP.20), previously circulated.

THE DECISION:

That the minutes of the meetings of the Committee held on 11 February and 17 May 2016 (LC.11 - LC.13 and LC.1 – LC.2) and the meetings of the Licensing and Appeals Hearings Panel held on 23 March, 3 May and 16 May 2016 (LAHP.12 – LAHP.15, LAHP.16 – LAHP.18 AND LAHP.19 – LAHP.20, previously circulated, be signed as correct records.

Report of the Executive Director

The subject of the decision:

The Executive Director submitted a report which presented a proposal for a revision of the licence fees in respect of Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licences.

Alternative options considered:

The Committee considered whether or not to vary the licence fees.

The reason for the decision:

The Committee was satisfied that the proposed amendments to the licence fees took account of Article 13(2) of the EU Services Directive and Regulation 18(4) of the Provision of Services Regulations 2009.

The Committee was satisfied that as no responses to the consultation had been received from members of the taxi trade there appeared to be no objections to the proposed 2016/17 fees.

THE DECISION:

That the proposed Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Fees 2016/17 be approved subject to publication of the Statutory Notice in a local newspaper.  If no representations are received within the specified time period the 2016/17 fees will come into effect on the date specified in the Notice.  If representations are received, officers in consultation with the Chairman, will consider whether the proposed fees should be varied and set the date on which the 2016/17 fees shall come into effect, with or without variation.

Report of the Executive Director

The subject of the decision:

The Executive Director submitted a report seeking approval to consult with all responsible authorities, licence holders and any other interested parties on the proposed revision of the Licensing Act 2003 Statement of Licensing Policy.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

To comply with the requirements of the Licensing Act 20003 which required the policy to be published at least every five years.  The existing policy was adopted in June 2012 and a revision must be completed by June 2017.

THE DECISION:

That a six week consultation on the draft Statement of Licensing Policy commencing forthwith be approved, subject to the matter being referred back to the Licensing Committee for consideration of any responses received during the consultation period.