Agenda and draft minutes

To receive declarations of interest from Members on items contained within the agenda

There were no declarations of interest stated.

Resolved:    That the Minutes of the meeting held on 30 July, 2024  be agreed

as a correct record.

To receive declarations of interest from Members on items contained within the agenda

There were no declarations of interest stated.

Consideration was given to a report regarding a consultation into the Suitability Guidance for taxi and private hire licensing by the Institute of Licensing.  The consultation opened on 10^th July and would end on 30^th September.

Members’ attention was drawn to Appendix B – the Officers’ proposed response to the consultation.

The Chair stated that it was important when  infringements of minor offences were mentioned that the definitions were clear and asked if a glossary of terms and definitions with the report.

The Licensing Administration Team Manager referred to chapter 4 which differentiated between minor and major motoring offences.

The Chair referred to the appendix ‘Guidance on Recording Decisions, Reasons and NR3S Criteria’ stating that it was a helpful document for anyone making such decisions.

Resolved:    (i)       That the contents of the report be noted; and

(ii)             That the officer proposed consultation response be sent to Government prior to the closing date.

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The Licensing Administration Team Manager updated members on the recent taxi licensing appeals.

Members commented and officers responded as follows.

Councillor Gill Williams asked a question regarding paragraph 2.2.  Could the driver who no longer held a licence in Newcastle still operate within the Borough?

The Licensing Administration Team Manager stated that, unfortunately he could because drivers were not limited to the area that they worked in and could cross borders.  This was the reason why the NR3S was brought in so that, if a decision had been taken to refuse or revoke a licence every local authority was duty bound to check the register before issuing a licence.

Councillor Parker congratulated officers on the costs of £3,316 being awarded to the Council.

Resolved:    That the contents of the report be noted.

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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.

There were no confidential items.

To consider any business which is urgent within the meaning of Section 100B (4) of the Local Government Act 1972

There was no urgent business.