Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors Mr and Mrs Hailstones, Kearon and Welsh.

To receive declarations of interest from Members on items included in this agenda.

There were no declarations of interest.

To consider the minutes of the previous meeting held on 3 December, 2012

Resolved:-   That the minutes of the meeting held on 3 December 2012 be agreed as a correct record.

To resolve that the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the attached report, 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.

Resolved:-   That the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following three items by reason of the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 2 and 7 in Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

Mr QI was applying for the Grant of a Private Hire Driver’s Licence.

The Disclosure revealed an offence of driving with excess alcohol.

Members agreed that this was an isolated incident and that the receipt of a fixed Penalty Notice last year had been ‘unfortunate’.

Resolved:-   That a Private Hire Driver’s Licence be granted.  This would be confirmed in writing.

Mr H was applying for the Grant of a Private Hire Driver’s Licence.

The Disclosure revealed a caution for battery in 2012.

Resolved:-   That a Private Hire Driver’s Licence not be granted as not enough time had elapsed since the offence.  the applicant would be notified in writing.

To consider a report on Fixed Penalty Notices

Consideration was given to a report advising Members of actions taken in respect of littering offences within the Borough.

The report was seeking Members’ authorisation to institute legal proceedings against thirty six Fixed Penalty Notices.

Resolved:-   That legal proceedings be instituted against the thirty six cases in the report.

Members were updated on the current position regarding the Hackney Carriage Consultation and were advised that they would be emailed with a view to raising any questions.

Resolved:-   That the information be received.

To consider a report on Dog Control Orders

Consideration was given to a report regarding Dog Control Orders following public consultation which took place between 26 November 2012 and 31 January 2013.

Two supplementary reports were handed round at the meeting.  These included responses from residents and a letter received from the Dogs Trust.

Resolved:-   (a)       That four dog control orders be made commencing 1 April 2013 which would:-

·        Require the person in charge of a dog to clear up dog faeces.

·        Require dogs to be on a lead (in specified places).

·        Require dogs to be put on a lead if directed by an authorised officer.

·        Exclude dogs from specific areas.

                        (b)       That, where appropriate, enforcement is through the use of Fixed Penalty Notices of the default value (currently £75) discounted to £50 if paid within 10 days, with cases referred for prosecution if unpaid.

To consider a report on the outcome of legal proceedings taken by the Council regarding a breach of a noise abatement notice.

Members considered a report advising them of the outcome of legal proceedings taken by the Council regarding a breach of a noise abatement notice.

A court hearing held on 19 December 2012 at Stafford Magistrates Court accepted a guilty plea from Mrs Griffiths in respect of 47 occasions of noise nuisance caused by shouting and screaming.  Ms Griffiths was fined £500 with a £15 victim surcharge and £250 costs awarded to the Council.

In addition, an immediate application was made for a Criminal Anti-social Behaviour Order (CRASBO).  This was granted by the Court for a period of five years.  Should this be breached, Mrs Griffiths risked arrest and upon conviction a prison term of up to five years.

Resolved:-   (a)       That the information be received.

                        (b)       To resolve that the Council’s Communications Section report details of the case in the next available edition of the Council’s Reporter newspaper.

Consideration was given to a report advising Members of actions taken in respect of littering offences within the Borough.

Six offenders, who were witnessed littering and failed to pay Fixed Penalty Notices and, at Stafford Magistrates Court, fines were issued with victim surcharges and costs.

Resolved:-   That the information be received.

To consider a report on the proposed variation of fees relating to Private Hire Vehicles and Hackney Carriages

Consideration was given to a report requesting Members’ approval of the proposed variation of fees relating to Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicles.  In addition, Members were advised that the proposed increases would be advertised in the local press.  Prices would be increasing by 2.1 to 2.5%.

Resolved:-   (a)       That approval be given to the proposed variation of fees relating to Private Hire Vehicles and Hackney Carriages.

                        (b)       That the report be received.