To agree the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 4 February 2014 as a correct record.

Resolved:  That the minutes of the meeting of the Licensing Committee held on the 4 February 2014 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

Any interests not already registered

No additional declarations of interest were made.

None

There were none.

The Licensing Partnership Manager presented a report which detailed the fees and associated costs for licences in respect of hackney carriage drivers and vehicles and private hire drivers, vehicles and operators.  Communication was sent to Hackney Carriage and Private Hire licensees which asked for their views on the proposed increases in fees for the Taxi Licensing service.  Only one comment was received.

In response to a question the Licensing Partnership Manager confirmed that there had been no changes to the report apart from the corrected typographical errors.

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members noted that there were no adverse equality impacts arising from the report.

Resolved:  That it be recommended to Full Council that from 1 April 2014 the list of fees and associated costs for licences in respect of hackney carriage drivers and vehicles and private hire drivers, vehicles and operators be varied as set out in paragraph 7 of the report.

The Licensing Partnership Manager presented a report which advised Members of the revised Kent and Medway Compliance and Enforcement Protocol.  She explained that a working group of the Kent and Medway Regulatory Licensing Steering Group which included some of the 12 other Local Authorities and Kent Police met to review the existing protocol.

In response to a question the Licensing Partnership Manager explained that there were key factors which were considered for a risk rating on a premises.  Each premises would be given a score and depending on what band it was in would then depend on how often the premises was visited.

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members noted that there were no adverse equality impacts arising from the report.

Resolved:  That it be recommended to Full Council to adopt a revised Kent and Medway Compliance and Enforcement Protocol.

The Licensing Partnership Manager tabled a copy of Making a Representation which explained the procedures for making a written representation and speaking at a Licensing Hearing.  She explained that if a person wanted to represent someone who had made a valid representation the Council must be notified in writing prior to the hearing.

The Committee expressed their thanks to the Licensing Partnership Manager, the Print Studio and Democratic Services for putting the leaflet together.

Resolved:  The report was noted.