Agenda and minutes

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

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

The Chairman moved, it was seconded and

RESOLVED:  That as public discussion would disclose exempt information, the following matters be considered in private.

(Reason:  LGA 1972 Sch 12A Paragraph 1 – Information relating to an individual)

(Reason:  LGA 1972 Sch 12A Paragraph 1 – Information relating to an individual)

The Panel gave consideration to the report of the Director of Central Services and Monitoring Officer regarding an application for a Hackney Carriage Driver’s Licence.  The Panel was advised that the Applicant had disclosed a conviction on the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) form submitted with his application and noted the information contained in the Enhanced Certificate regarding a conviction for robbery.  The Panel listened carefully to the representations made by the Applicant who gave details of the incident which had led to his conviction.  The Applicant also explained that, although he currently lived in the North of England, he had applied for a licence with the Borough Council as he wished to relocate to Kent due to family connections with this area.  The Panel expressed concern about the applicant’s lack of experience of the ‘taxi trade’ and, following discussion with the Applicant on the merits of seeking a mentor to support him during a probationary period to allow him to gain knowledge of the area and to gain experience of the trade, it was

RESOLVED:  That, subject to identifying a suitable mentor and vehicle, the Applicant be invited to apply for a Probationary Private Hire Driver’s Licence to allow the Panel to reconsider the application at a later date.