Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received for Councillor Bell.

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 Member’s 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 judgement 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.

None.

AGREED: (Unanimously)

That the minutes of the last meeting of the Licensing and Public Safety Committee were an accurate record.

AGREED: (Unanimously)

That the minutes of the last meeting of the Licensing Panel were an accurate record.

Report of the Director of Planning and Development attached.

The Interim Licensing Team Leader presented a summary of the report. The Licensing Team sought Member’s approval to take the proposed amendments out to consultation with relevant stakeholders before being brought back to the Licensing and Public Safety Committee to consider comments from stakeholders before reaching a decision on the proposed amendments.

As there was several appendices it was decided that the Interim Licensing Team Leader would present each section, open to any questions from the committee and vote on each proposal individually.

The Interim Licensing Team Leader provided an overview of proposed changes to the wording of the whistleblowing policy (appendix 1) which would also be included on the Council website.

Proposed by Councillor Martin and seconded by Councillor Ogilvie and

AGREED: (Unanimously)

That the proposed policy wording changes be taken to consultation and to receive a report on the outcome at a future meeting.

The Interim Licensing Team Leader moved on to discuss changes to the policy around DBS checks every 6 months for taxi drivers (appendix 2). Wording of the currently policy requires updating to match statuary standards and avoid any confusion for drivers in potentially waiting until the 12 monthly declaration instead of notifying the Licensing Team within 48 hours.

Members questioned whether removing the 12 monthly declaration was necessary, in response it was noted that declarations of convictions were required to approve and complete new applications and renewals. It was also mentioned that any concerns could be addressed through the consultation process.

Proposed by Councillor Alty and seconded by Councillor Mort and

AGREED: (Unanimously)

That the proposed policy wording changes be taken to consultation and to receive a report on the outcome at a future meeting.

The Interim Licensing Team Leader presented the next proposal around referrals to the DBS service. Currently there is nothing in the Council’s Taxi Licensing Policy and as a new policy would need adopting following consultation. The proposed wording matches statutory guidance.

Members noted it was common sense and were happy to approve.

Proposed by Councillor Mullineaux and seconded by Councillor Buttery and

AGREED: (Unanimously)

That the proposed new policy wording be taken to consultation and to receive a report on the outcome at a future meeting.

The Interim Licensing Team Leader presented the next section on CSE training for taxi drivers (appendix 3). Since the previous online training has been discontinued by Lancashire County Council (LCC), the Licensing Team have put in place a temporary training course of similar standard whilst they reviewed what was on offer elsewhere. The Officer also clarified the meaning of ‘County Lines’ mentioned in the report.

Members voiced concerns over the discontinuation of the LCC training course and questioned whether training courses that teachers and healthcare professionals still receive could be an alternative for taxi drivers. In response Members were informed it was thought that these courses were too advanced for the requirements of taxi drivers.

Members questioned how this applied to drivers who are contracted by Lancashire County Council. The Interim Licensing Team  ...  view the full minutes text for item 66.