To agree the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 22 September 2020, as a correct record

Resolved:  That the Minute of the Licensing Committee held on 22 September 2020 be agreed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

Any interests not already registered

There were none.

There were none.

Members considered the report which proposed an inflationary increase of 2.5% to Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licence fees from April 2021. If there were adverse comments received the fees would come back to a future meeting of the Committee.

Following questions, it was clarified to Members that the DBS online update service at an annual cost of £13 for drivers would cost less for drivers in the long run as drivers were previously required to pay £40 every three years.

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members noted that consideration had been given to impacts under the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Resolved:  That

a)   the levels set out below, be approved for consultation with the taxi trade;

Hackney Carriage Driver Licence

Dual Driver Licence

Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence

Private Hire Operator Licence

Private Hire Driver Licence

Private Hire Vehicle Licence

Additional Costs

Replacement Vehicles

If a vehicle licence is surrendered within 6 months of issue, a refund of £60 will be issued.

If a licensed vehicle is replaced temporarily for up to 2 months because of damage to it then the fee will be £95 to licence the replacement vehicle.

Vehicle garage test costs will be taken separately (see fees above)

b)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44.

Members considered the report which set out the proposed fees for Gambling Act 2004 for charges for licences, permits and associated items issued under the Gambling Act as set out in Appendix A. The fees had been set 2021-2022 to include the current inflationary cost of 2.5% set by the Council. The fees ensured that the Council complied with its statutory duty and ensured that the Gambling Licensing service remained self-financing in accordance with the Council’s Service and Budget plan.

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members noted that consideration had been given to impact equality assessments.

Resolved:  That the level of fees and charges as set out below be approved from 1 April 2021.

*FECs = Family Entertainment Centres

** TUN – Temporary Use Notice

Members considered the report for Sexual Entertainment Licensing which had not been changed from those agreed in 2020 as the Licensing Department had not received or processed an application for a Sexual Establishment within the Sevenoaks District. The fees ensured that the Council complied with its statutory duty.

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members noted that consideration had been given to impact equality assessments.

Resolved:  That the level of fees and charges as set below be approved from 1 April 2021.

The work plan was noted with the addition of an Annual Licensing Partnership Update for the meeting  on 17 June 2021.