Agenda and minutes

To approve as correct the minutes of the meeting held on 14 June 2022

(Note: If any Member wishes to propose an amendment to the minutes they should submit this in writing to committeeservices@horsham.gov.uk at least 24 hours before the meeting.  Where applicable, the audio recording of the meeting will be checked to ensure the accuracy of the proposed amendment.)

The minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 14 June were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive any declarations of interest from Members of the Committee

There were no declarations of interest.

To receive any announcements from the Chairman of the Committee or the Chief Executive

Councillor John Blackall, Chairman of the Committee, made two announcements:

He commented on the excellence of the recent Licensing training given by John Fitzsimons of Cornerstone Barristers and stated that it has been noted to invite him back to give training to the newly formed Licensing Committee in the new Municipal Year.

He thanked Councillor Karen Burgess for chairing the recent sub-committee so well.

To receive the minutes of the Licensing Sub-Committee held on 23 November 2022

The minutes of the Sub-Committee held on 23 November were noted by the Committee.

To consider the report of the Head of Environmental Health & Licensing

The Head of Environmental Health & Licensing introduced the report on proposed Licence Fees for 2022/24.  Members noted the proposed fees set out in Appendix 1 for Licences issued by the Environmental Health and Licensing Department.  Once approved, the new fees would take effect from 1st April 2023. 

The Head of Environmental Health & Licensing advised that this was the first increase in fees for three years because of the challenges of Covid.  The individual licence fees were calculated to recover the cost of issuing the licence and ensuring compliance with the requirements of the legislation.  He confirmed that the 10% increase generally applied was required because of increased costs and that the Council would not make a surplus.  The increase was in line with similar nearby local authorities.

RESOLVED

(i)      To approve the fees set out at Appendix 1 to this report to take effect from 1st April 2023.

(ii)      TO RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL the approval of the licensing fees set out at Appendix 1 and that such revised fees take effect from 1st April 2023.

REASON

(i)      The setting of fees for licences is the responsibility of the Licensing Committee.

(ii)      The approval of fees is the responsibility of Full Council.

(iii)     To ensure openness and transparency in decision-making.

To consider the report of the Head of Environmental Health & Licensing

The Licensing Inspector outlined the proposed increases in tariffs, as set out in the report.  This was the first increase in rates for 10 years and was due to the significant increase in the price of fuel and the general cost of living.

Horsham Licensed Carriage Association and many of the independent hackney drivers had proposed an increase and the Head of Environmental Health & Licensing confirmed that the new rates were in line with what the trade felt was fair.  It was noted that the proposal would not affect Private Hire Vehicles as they set their own fare rates.

RESOLVED

(i)      To agree the changes to Tariffs 1 – 6 as set out at Appendix 1 and the addition of a soiling charge, for statutory consultation with the hackney trade and public.

(ii)      To agree to advertise the proposed fare increases contained in Appendix 1.

(iii)     That, subject to satisfactory consultation procedure and there being no representations TO RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL the approval of the fares contained in Appendix 1.

REASON

(i)      To set standard fares throughout the district.

(ii)      To prevent fraud and overcharging of passengers.

(iii)     To ensure openness and transparency in decision-making.

Items not on the agenda which the Chairman of the meeting is of the opinion should be considered as urgent because of the special circumstances

There was no urgent business.