Issue - meetings

To receive the recommendation of the Licensing Committee held on 15 June and, if approved, to adopt the recommendation contained therein:

DFT Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Standards – Amendments to Policy and Conditions (report of the Head of Environmental Health & Licensing is online at: Agenda item 9 )

Councillor John Blackall, Vice-Chairman of the Licensing Committee, advised that the Council’s Taxi and Private Hire Policy had been revised to reflect changes in the Department for Transport’s Taxi and Private Hire Standards.  These changes were aimed mainly at safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

Councillor Blackall confirmed that at the Committee meeting in June officers had answered queries regarding the new legislation and resulting changes to the Council’s procedures to the Committee’s satisfaction.  Public consultation on the revised policy had taken place and no representations had been received.

The recommendation to approve the adoption of the statutory Taxi & Private Hire Standards and Conditions was seconded by Councillor Gordon Lindsay.

RESOLVED

That the statutory Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy and Guidance (including standards and conditions), as set out in Appendix A to the Licensing Committee report, be adopted.

REASON

i) To protect the public.

ii) To ensure transparency and openness in decision-making.

The Head of Environmental Health & Licensing presented the report, which set out proposed changes to the Council’s hackney carriage and private hire licensing policy and guidance. These changes were required in the light of statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards that had been introduced by the Department for Transport in July 2020.

The policy sought to ensure safety and comfort, keeping children and adults from risk of harm.  There would be a public consultation on the draft policy, as set out in Appendix A, before being presented to full Council for adoption.

The Head of Environmental Health & Licensing responded to a number of questions from the Committee.  He agreed to advise the Committee of what proportion of HDC taxis had wheelchair access. Members noted that fees and charges gave incentives that were attractive to electric vehicles.  Members also noted the Council’s intention of joining a national database to help with the assessment of potential taxi drivers.

TO RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL

That, subject to any responses to the public consultation, the statutory taxi & private hire standards and conditions set out in Appendix 1 of this report is brought before the next available full Council for adoption. 

REASON

i)        To protect the public.

ii)       To ensure transparency and openness in decision making.