Report of the Principal Licensing Officer

The subject of the decision:

This report sought consideration of introducing a requirement for hackney carriage and private hire drivers to undergo safeguarding training prior to obtaining a licence.

Alternative options considered:

The Committee was satisfied that it was appropriate to review the Council’s position with regards to safeguarding training for hackney carriage and private hire driver.  A number of alternative approaches were considered and the Committee was satisfied that the consultation should not be restricted to new drivers.  No further amendments were deemed necessary.

The reason for the decision:

The Committee considered the Director’s report and was satisfied that safeguarding awareness training was a suitable and relevant requirement for all licensed drivers.

The Committee concluded that the proposal should be revised to include a requirement for all licensed drivers to complete the safeguarding training every three years.

THE DECISION:

That a full consultation be authorised to be carried out in relation to mandatory safeguarding training on the understanding that the matter will be referred back to the Committee for consideration of any responses.