An apology for absence was submitted on behalf of Councillor Barbara Nathan.

Members are requested to indicate at this stage in the proceedings any items on the agenda in which they intend to declare an interest. Members are reminded that if the interest is a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest (as defined in the Members’ Code of Conduct) they must leave the room for the whole of that item. If the interest is not a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest, but is such that a member of the public could reasonably regard it as being so significant that it is likely that it would prejudice their judgment of the public interest (as explained in the Code of Conduct) then they may make representations, but then must leave the meeting for the remainder of the item.

There were no declarations of interest.

To confirm the minutes of the General Licensing Committee meeting held on 28 November 2017 attached.

RESOLVED (Unanimously):

That the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 28 November 2017 be approved and signed.

Report of the Revenues Manager attached.

The Interim Licensing Manager presented a report following the outcome of recent consultation carried out and asked the committee to consider three proposed revisions to the Council’s existing Licensing Policy. These were detailed in section 4.1 of the report and centred on vaping devices /

e-cigarettes, relevant signage for same and, that all operators’ dispatch staff must undertake appropriate Safeguarding training.

Whilst the report indicated that this would be presented to the meeting of Council on 28 February 2018 it was felt the following meeting on 21 March 2018 was more appropriate. This was due to the heavy budget agenda at the next meeting of the Council.

RESOLVED (Unanimously):

That the Committee recommends to Council at its meeting on 21 March 2018, the formal adoption of the three proposed revisions to the Council’s current Licensing Policy (as detailed in section 4.1 of the report).

Report of the Revenues Manager attached.

The Interim Licensing Manager presented a report following concerns expressed by the trade in its ability to recruit new drivers under the Council’s existing policy requirement that all new driver applicants must obtain a relevant professional qualification before being granted a licence.

This had arisen following issues which drivers and operators had raised with the Council of drivers actually being unable to take/obtain the relevant professional qualification. An alternative approach was proposed (as set out in sections 7.3 and 7.6 of the report) to alleviate this whilst a remedy to the issue was explored further.

The Committee discussed in length the pros and cons of the proposed changes.  It was conscious that at this stage it was only deciding whether or not to approve a consultation exercise on the matter.

RESOLVED (Yes: 9, Abstention: 1) that:

1.    the trade’s concerns regarding professional qualifications expressed in section 6 of the report be noted;

2.    a consultation exercise be carried out in respect of the proposed amendments to the Licensing Policy as set out in sections 7.3 and 7.6 of the report and this be in line with the methodology as set out in section 8 of the report;

3.    following the close of consultation the Committee receive a further report on its outcome for consideration;

4.    any subsequent proposed amendment to the Council’s Licensing Policy be recommended for adoption to an appropriate future meeting of the Council;

5.    the approach to future policy changes be that they are considered by the Committee on a six-monthly basis unless a matter is felt to need consideration sooner.

Report of the Revenues Manager attached.

Further to Minute No. 55 of the meeting held on 28 November 2017, the Interim Licensing Manager presented a report on a number of aspects including the appointment of chair, proposed scope/terms of reference and, possible co-option on to the working group.  In respect of the latter co-option, it had been suggested that the council approach Disability Equality North West.

It was envisaged that the working group not meet more than twice to consider the matter and then report its findings to the next appropriate meeting of this Committee.

RESOLVED (Unanimously) that:

1.    the working group’s title be the Working Group on Differential Age Limits for Licensed Vehicles;

2.    the Chair of the working group be Councillor David Wooldridge;

3.    the draft terms of reference of the working group (Appendix 1 to the report) be noted;

4.    the suggested co-option of two representatives from the trade and a representative from a local disability group (Disability Equality North West) be agreed;

5.    the draft agenda for the first meeting of the working group (Appendix 2 to the report) be agreed; and

6.    the draft documentation (Appendix 3 to the report) be agreed.

Report of the Revenues Manager attached.

The Interim Licensing Manager provided an update on licensing activity since the last meeting of the Committee.  These related to; the previously agreed consultation on mobile homes, taxi trade forum, joint training event and, pro-active promotional work over the Christmas period.

It was intended that a report on the results of the consultation on mobile homes would be presented to the committee at its meeting on 20 February 2018.  In view of the responses received to date and subsequent potential attendees at this meeting it was suggested the Committee meeting be moved to a larger room.

The Committee was reminded that the next Taxi trade Forum would be in the Civic centre at 5.00pm on Thursday 1 February 2018.

Regarding the joint training event there had been some confusion concerning the date of the training.  This had been confirmed today as being on Friday 9 March 2018 (10.00am to about 2.30pm) at Chorley Town Hall.  In view of the fact that members had previously experience parking issues at this venue, it was agreed that transport would be organised from/to the Civic Centre for attending members.

The Committee appreciated officers’ pro-active work, particularly the use of social media to promote the use of taxis over the Christmas period.

RESOLVED (Unanimously) that:

1.    the information on consultation exercise on mobile homes be noted and that those that had responded to the consultation be notified of the meeting and in view of that a larger room be booked for the meeting of the Committee on 20 February 2018;

2.    the date of the next Taxi trade Forum be noted;

3.    Committee members be re-invited to attend the joint training session at Chorley Town Hall on Friday 9 March and transport be provided for their attendance; and

4.      officers be thanked for their pro-active work over the Christmas period.