Agenda and minutes

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

There were no declarations of interest stated

There were no apologies.

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

Driver – Mr AK

The Head of Environmental Health Services submitted a report concerning an application from driver AK to be exempt from displaying external plates and Private Hire Operator door signs on the vehicle.

 Driver AK attended the Committee and explained that the application was based solely on the use of the vehicle to transport his daughter and her friends to and from school and would not be used as a private hire vehicle at any other time.

Resolved:     That driver AK be granted exclusion from the requirement to display door signs and external Private Hire Door Plates with the conditions  -at all other times when the vehicle he is operating as a private hire vehicle the door signs and PH plate must be attached to the vehicle.

Driver – Mr AR

The Head of Environmental Health Services submitted a report concerning driver AR who had submitted a renewal application for a Dual Drivers Licence.  At a previous meeting (11/12/2018) members had granted a time limited licence due to concerns regarding the understanding of the policy together with the skills of driver AR to communicate with customers.

Driver AR attended the meeting together with a friend, MR.

The Committee asked a number of questions of Driver AR and, whilst members accepted that the standard of English had improved they were not satisfied that this was of an acceptable standard.

Resolved:       That driver AR be granted a licence for a 12 month licence to allow the applicant the opportunity to attend a course designed to improve skills in English.  The applicant must return to committee at the end of 12 months for his English to be tested again.

Driver – Mr PGG

The Head of Environmental Health Services submitted a report concerning driver PGG who had applied for a new Dual Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers Licence.  The application process had revealed convictions that fell within the Councils guidelines for the relevance of convictions.  Consideration of this application had been deferred from a previous meeting of the Committee to allow the applicant a further opportunity to attend the meeting (21/08/2019).

Applicant PGG attended the meeting together with a partner and explained the background to the offences.

The Committee carefully considered the circumstances and were satisfied with the explanation given.

Resolved:     That a 3 year licence be granted to applicant PGG together with a warning regarding the responsibility to be aware of and comply with relevant legislation.

Driver – Mr RA

The Head of Environmental Health Services submitted a report concerning Driver RA, a current Dual licensed driver who had notified the authority of a conviction which was relevant under the Councils guidelines.

Driver RA attended committee and explained the background to the offence.  Officers reiterated the timescale set out in the Policy regarding the requirement to notify the authority of a relevant offence. 

Resolved:     That driver RA be sent a warning letter as to future conduct

Driver – Mr IHS

The Head of Environmental Health Services submitted a report concerning driver IHS who held a current Dual Driver licence.  Driver IHS had notified the Council within the 7 day notification period of a relevant conviction.   

Driver IHS attended committee and explained the background to the offence.

Members carefully considered the report.  Although there were no offences during the previous 4 years, the applicant had received a number of convictions for the same offence prior to this time and, taking this into account, decided that a warning should be issued.

Resolved:     That driver IHS be issued with a warning as to future conduct.

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

There was no urgent business