Agenda and draft minutes

There were no declarations of interest stated.

Resolved:-             That the public be excluded from the meeting during

consideration if the following matter because it is likely that there will be disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1,2, and 7 in Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act, 1972.

Private Hire Driver – Mr IS

The committee considered a report regarding motoring convictions imposed on the  licence of a Hackney Carriage driver - Mr IS.

Mr IS was given the opportunity to address the Committee.

Resolved:    (i)       That Mr IS’ license be suspended for a

period of three months.

Private Hire Driver – Mr AM

The committee considered an application from Mr AM to renew his Private Hire Driver’s licence.

Mr AM was given the opportunity to address the Committee.

Resolved:              That the licence be refused.

A report was submitted to advise the Committee of action taken in respect of a fly tipping offence within the Borough and to seek authorisation to institute legal proceedings.

Resolved:

That subject to review by the legal section, legal proceedings be instituted in relation to the case mentioned in the agenda report.

A report was submitted to advise the Committee of action taken in respect of a fly tipping offence within the Borough and to seek authorisation to institute legal proceedings.

Resolved:

That subject to review by the legal section, legal proceedings be instituted in relation to the case mentioned in the agenda report.

A report was submitted to advise the Committee of the action taken in respect of a Fly Tipping offence within the Borough.

Resolved:    That the report be received.

Consideration was given to a report advising members of findings of the statutory Update and Screening Assessment, 2015 in respect of air quality.

Members thanked officers for the report but stated that it was still the same places which were being identified as an issue.  Members would like to see this move forward faster.

Turning onto Liverpool Road from Heathcote Street was causing congestion.  Officers agreed that this would be looked into and would liaise with County Highways and the Kidsgrove Town Centre Partnership.

Officers were working with bus companies in respect of the A500 construction and working with developers regarding the sustainable energy options, for example electric recharging points.  A meeting would be taking place with colleagues from Staffordshire County Highways, Stoke on Trent City Council Highways, Keele University and other interested parties.

Resolved:              That the report be received and the comments noted.

Consideration was given to a report asking Members to consider the proposed taxi and private hire fees prior to their being considered by the Cabinet.

Resolved:              (i)       That the Cabinet be advised that this Committee

recommends an increase to the taxi fee and badge fee as outlined in the report.

(ii)       That the proposed fees be sent out for consultation.

Consideration was given to a report requesting a minor amendment to the licensing conditions for Dog Boarding Establishments resulting from the new microchipping regulations.

Members were informed that there would be enforcement issues regarding unchipped dogs.  Dog owners should be educated first on the new legislation.  There needed to be publicity and working with kennel owners etc.

Resolved:              That the requested amendment to the licensing conditions be agreed.  

Consideration was given to a report informing Members of a request from the Hackney Carriage Association to change the commencement time of tariff 2.

Members were advised that there had been no increase in fees in the last six to seven years.  In addition, prior to deregulation there had been sixty vehicles, there were now two hundred and twenty.

The cost of running a taxi had increased, for example there was an exceptional route to get the vehicle up to scratch.  In addition, the moving ot the taxi rank from Hassell Street to the High Street had resulted in some loss of business.

The Chair had concerns that this could make it harder for people to get into the town centre which could have a detrimental impact upon the economy.

It was suggested that people may come out earlier and stay longer in the town.  Many go home just before the tariff changes.  Members requested that an Authority be identified that has already done this to gain some evidence.

In addition, Members did not want to deter people from using taxis.

Resolved:     That the Cabinet be advised that this Committee recommends that the proposed change be rejected.

Consideration was given to a report informing Members of the feedback received regarding a consultation on compulsory safeguarding and child sexual exploitation.

Councillors welcomed this and suggested that an article be placed in the Reporter once it was up and running.

Resolved:              That the results and feedback from the consultation be noted.         

Consideration was given to a report requesting that the Committee delegate authority in relation to the refusal and revocation of private hire vehicle licences.

Resolved:                 (i)         That the Committee delegate authority to revoke or

refuse a private hire vehicle  licence to the Head of Recycling, Waste and Fleet Services and the Head of Environmental Health.

(ii)              That the Committee delegate authority to the Chief Executive and Head of Business Improvement, Central Services and Partnerships to refuse or revoke a private hire drivers’ licence

(iii)            That where a decision has been made to suspend, revoke or refuse to renew any licence under (i), officers shall give to the proprietor of the vehicle notice of the grounds on which the licence has been suspended or revoked or on which they have refused to renew the licence within fourteen days of such suspension, revocation or refusal.  Where a vehicle is refused, the Council’s Transport Manager will take a photograph.  A letter will be sent out, signed by two heads of service in consultation with the Chair/Vice Chair of the Public Protection Committee.

(iv)            That where a decision is made under (ii), officers give to the driver notice of the grounds on which the licence has been suspended or revoked or on which they have refused to renew such licence within fourteen days of such suspension, revocation or refusal and the driver shall on demand return to the district council the driver’s badge issued to him.  One officer would be required to sign this off.

(v)             That where an decision has been made to suspend, revoke or refuse to renew any licence a report is brought to the next possible meeting of the Public Protection Committee.

There was no Urgent Business.