Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies

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

There were no declarations of interest stated.

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 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 IHS

The Head of Environmental Health Services submitted a report concerning an application from driver IHS for the renewal of a Dual Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers Licence.

Resolved:     That, following correspondence received from the applicant this application be cancelled.

Driver – Mr IK

The Head of Environmental Health Services submitted a report concerning information received from the DVLA concerning a technically untaxed and uninsured licensed vehicle in the ownership of driver IK and which had been used for 735 pre booked journeys.

The applicant attended the meeting together with his employer JA.

The applicant clarified that his visa application had been approved and that the documentation would follow shortly.

JA pointed out that the hybrid vehicle did not require road tax to be paid.  He acknowledged that driver IK had been unaware of the need to notify the DVLA which had resulted in the enforcement action being taken and which may have resulted in the insurance becoming invalid.  JA referred to a similar case which had been considered by the court and in this respect agreed to obtain further information on the circumstances and outcome of the case.

Resolved:     That consideration of this application be deferred pending information from the applicant and his employer regarding the circumstances outcome of the case considered by the court.

Driver – Mr MH

The Head of Environmental Health Services submitted a report concerning an application from driver MH for the renewal of a current Dual Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers Licence.  The application process revealed that Driver MH had received a conviction which fell within the Councils guidelines for the relevance of convictions and which had not been reported to the Council as required by the policy.

Applicant MH attended the meeting and stated that he had not intentionally withheld the information. 

The Committee noted that the applicant was open and transparent and regretful of his mistake and were satisfied with the explanations given. The Chair reinforced the need to comply with the policy and to report any future offence  

Resolved:     That the licence be granted and a warning letter to the applicant as to future conduct.            

Driver – Mr MW

The Head of Environmental Health Services submitted a report concerning a renewal application for a Private Hire Vehicle Licence from driver MW whose vehicle did not meet the requirements of the policy as it was a Category S Structural write off. 

Applicant MW attended the Committee and explained that the car had been repaired by a professional and had met the required standard in the council tests.

The Chair explained how the council had changed its policy to reflect safety considerations and that the committee had decided to abide by the policy.

Resolved:     That the application be refused

Driver – Mr SMH

The Head of Environmental Health Services submitted a report concerning a renewal application for a Dual Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers Licence from driver SMH.  The application process had revealed a conviction that fell within the Council guidelines for the relevance of convictions.

Applicant SMH attended the committee and expressed remorse for this first offence.  He stated that he had learned from the mistake and now understood the process. The Chair reinforced the requirement to understand and comply with policy.

The committee were satisfied with the explanations given. 

Resolved:     That the licence be granted and the applicant be sent a warning letter 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 were no items of urgent business.