| Item | Description | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| PART 1 - PUBLIC | ||
| LA 11/028 |
Declarations of interest. |
There were no declarations of interest made. |
| LA 11/029 |
Minutes |
RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the meeting of the Licensing and Appeals Committee held on 13 January 2011 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. |
| LA 11/030 |
Minutes |
RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the meetings of the Licensing and Appeals Committee, sitting as a Panel, held on 13 January, 26 January, 9 February, 23 February, 10 March and 14 March 2011 be approved as correct records and signed by the Chairman subject to the correction of two typographical errors in Minute 11/019 (23 February) as follows: third paragraph of preamble - deletion of the word "the" before "Mr C Kennard"; and resolution (3) - substitution of the word "not" for "no" before "be audible". |
| DECISIONS TAKEN UNDER DELEGATED POWERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 3 (OR 2), PART 3 OF THE CONSTITUTION | ||
| LA 11/031 |
Review of Annual Fees for Hackney and Private Hire |
The report of the Central Services Director referred to the decision taken in March 2009 to defer the review of annual fees in respect of Hackney Carriage and Private Hire licensing in order that a number of issues could be addressed prior to an in depth review. Details were given of progress made since that date including publication of a Hackney and Private Hire Policy incorporating best practice guidance, review of MOT and compliance testing, introduction of a knowledge test and enhanced enforcement. It was therefore proposed that a full review of fees be undertaken and reported back to the Committee in November 2011 with a view to implementation of any revised fees in 2012. Members requested that further discussions be held with neighbouring authorities to attempt to co-ordinate the time of year for considering fees. RESOLVED: That Hackney and Private Hire annual fees be held for 2011 pending a full review and report back to the Committee in November 2011. |
| LA 11/032 |
Proposed Refundable Charge to be Levied on Requests for Driver Application Packs |
The Central Services Director outlined a proposal to levy a refundable charge on submission of a completed application for a hackney and/or private hire driver application pack. It was envisaged that the introduction of a charge would cover the costs of abortive application packs being sent out and reduce the number of speculative requests. The Committee discussed the merits of batching applications for determination to improve efficiency and the Central Services Director explained proposed changes to the knowledge testing regime under the shared arrangements with Gravesham Borough Council. RESOLVED: That a refundable charge of £20 inclusive of VAT per application pack be charged from 1 April 2011. |
| MATTERS SUBMITTED FOR INFORMATION | ||
| LA 11/033 |
Update on Future MOT and Compliance Testing |
Further to Minute LA 11/006, the Central Services Director advised that around 20 garages had indicated that they were willing and able to carry out compliance testing of vehicles licensed by the Borough Council. Details were given of proposed publicity arrangements for the new MOT and compliance testing that would come into effect from 1 April 2011. Members recorded their thanks to the Estates Manager and the Licensing team for their efforts during the prolonged sickness absence of the Licensing Manager. RESOLVED: That the report be received and noted. |
| MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION IN PRIVATE | ||
| LA 11/034 |
Exclusion of Press and Public |
No items were considered in private. |