Agenda and minutes

There was no notification of substitute members.

Members in any doubt about such declarations are advised to contact Legal or Democratic Services in advance of the meeting

There were no declarations of interest made in accordance with the Code of Conduct.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meetings of Licensing and Appeals Committee held on 14 December 2021 and 21 January 2022.

RESOLVED:  That the Minutes of the meeting of the Licensing and Appeals Committee held on 14 December 2021 and 26 January 2022 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

The report invites Members to approve the draft Statement of Principles for Gambling consultation.

The report of the Director of Central Services and Monitoring Officer gave details of the outcome of consultation on the proposed Statement of Principles (Policy) for Gambling under the Gambling Act 2005 for 2022 to 2025.  Members were advised that only one representation had been received from the Fire Risk and Inspection Team informing of a new address and email address to use as a Responsible Authority.

RECOMMENDED:  That the draft Statement of Principles for Gambling for 2022 to 2025, as set out at the Annex to the report, be approved.

*Referred to Council

Members are requested to consider various options with regards to the Street Trading Policy.

The report of the Director of the Director of Central Services and Deputy Chief Executive asked Members to consider various options with regards to street trading.  The current policy had been in force since December 2009 and it was felt that the policy should be reviewed and updated.  Guidance notes which formed the current street trading policy and associated legislation were attached as annexes to the report.

RESOLVED: That consideration be given to a change to the Street Trading Policy to adopt the whole borough as consent streets and a new policy be presented to the next meeting of the Licensing and Appeals Committee for consideration prior to commencing the consultation process.

The report invites Members to consider the objection received to the increase to Hackney Carriage fares.

The report of the Director of Central Services and Deputy Chief Executive invited Members to consider the objection received to the increase in Hackney Carriage Fares. Subsequent to the meeting, a number of errors were identified in the report in paragraphs 1.1.1.to 1.1.3 regarding dates. 

It was noted that following Members’ agreement on the 26 January 2022 to increase Hackney Carriage Fares, the proposed increase was advertised for 14 days, commencing on 3 February 2022.  During this period, one objection to the fare increase was received as detailed in Annex 3 to the report.

To assist Members in their consideration, the Head of Licensing provided a suggested table of fares which took account of the current fuel crisis and increasing fuel costs.  During discussion, Members felt that a further delay in a resolution would negatively impact on the livelihood of Hackney Carriage drivers in the current economic climate.

RESOLVED: That

(1)        the objection to the increase in Hackney Carriage Fares not be upheld and the increase to the fares, as agreed on the 26 January 2022, take immediate effect; and

(2)        an extraordinary meeting of the Licensing and Appeals Committee be held to review the Hackney Carriage Fares in response to increasing fuel costs. 

It was noted that as no update was available, the item would be considered at the next meeting.

The Chairman to move that the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting during consideration of any items the publication of which would disclose exempt information.

There were no items considered in private.