To agree the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 2 November 2021, as a correct record

Resolved:  That the Minutes of the Licensing Committee meeting held on 2 November 2021 be agreed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

Any interests not already registered

There were no additional declarations of interest.

There were none

The Senior Licensing Officer presented the report which highlighted the proposed fees and charges for implementation, as set out in Appendix B of the report.

Members considered the report, and comments received from the consultation. They discussed the impact of the potential changes to the trade and noted that the taxi licensing service was expected to remain self-financing and the proposed fees would ensure this was maintained.

Public Sector Equality Duty

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

Resolved:  That having taken into account the responses received, the proposed fess and charges set out below be adopted with effect from 1 April 2022.

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

Members considered the report which set out that a request accompanied by a petition from licensed drivers had been received to increase the charges set out in the Council’s current tariff. The Council exercised a discretionary power to set the maximum fares for Hackney Carriages within the District. Hackney carriage drivers had the right to charge a lower amount should they wish to do so.  The proposals were supported by 44 licence holders to increase the current Hackney Carriage fare tariff to assist the trade for losses incurred due to COVID lockdowns, and reflect that driving costs were increasing with petrol and service charges becoming increasingly more expensive.

The committee noted that that tariffs had not risen since 2019 and a rise could help in supporting the trade. The Chairman, with the support of the Committee, altered the motion to reflect that the consultation would also be with the public, through a public notice and on the Council’s website.

Public Sector Equality Duty

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

Resolved: That a consultation with all Hackney Carriage drivers and the public to ascertain their views on any proposed increase and/or changes be undertaken, and reported back to a future Committee.

Members considered the report which set out the proposed gambling licence fees 2022-2023. The fees ensured that the Council complied with its statutory duty and ensured that the Gambling Licensing service remained self-financing. It was noted that the fees had been set to include the current inflationary cost of 2%.

Members noted that the fees were approaching the statutory maxima, beyond which it would be difficult to recover costs.

Resolved: That the level of fees and charges as set out below be approved from 1 April 2022.

*FECs  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

Members considered the report which set out the level or fees and charges for a Sexual Entertainment Licence. The fees were unchanged from 2021 – 2022, as the Licensing Department had not received or processed an application with the District.

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 2022

The work plan was noted that the response to the Hackney Carriage tariff consultation may be reported at the following meeting.