Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor David Watts.

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 interests.

To consider the exclusion of the press and public for the following items of business on the ground that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

By Virtue of Paragraph 1: Information relating to any individual.

RESOLVED (Unanimously):

That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item of business as it involved the discussion of information defined as exempt from publication under paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, ‘information relating to any individual’ and in which the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing it.

Report of the Head of Licensing attached.

The Panel received a report on a complaint of Plying for Hire against a private hire driver.

The Chair referred those present to the circulated established procedure for hearings and the process that would be followed.

The driver was present with his legal representative and they both addressed the Panel.

The Panel also received representations from the Council’s Head of Licensing.

RESOLVED: (Unanimously)

That the driver would receive no further action against him, besides the formal caution previously issued.

Report of the Head of Licensing attached.

The Panel received a report on an application for a Private Hire Driver’s Licence.

The Chair referred those present to the circulated established procedure for hearings and the process that would be followed.

The applicant was present and addressed the Panel.

The Panel also received representations from the Council’s Head of Licensing.

RESOLVED (Unanimously):

That on the balance of probablities, the Applicant is a fit and proper person to hold a Private Hire Driver’s Licence and granted the application.

Report of the Head of Licensing attached.

The Panel received a report on an application for exemption from the Council’s Age Policy in respect of a Private Hire Vehicle.

The Chair referred those present to the circulated established procedure for hearings and the process that would be followed.

The applicant was present and addressed the Panel.

The vehicle was inspected by all members of the Panel.

The Panel also received representations from the Council’s Head of Licensing.

RESOLVED: (Unanimously)

That the application be granted, subject to conditions.