Agenda and minutes

Members are asked to declare any interests in the items under consideration and in

doing so state:

(1)   the type of interest concerned; and

(2)    the nature of the interest concerned

If any member requires advice on declarations of interests, they are advised to contact the Head of Democratic Governance in advance of the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest on this occasion.

To agree the minutes of the last meeting held on 25 April 2017 as a true and correct record.

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 25 April 2017 be signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

That under Section 100 (A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the whole item, including the decision referred to at Agenda item 4 on the grounds that it would involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

(This item contains personal information regarding applicants and licence holders which is exempt from publication by virtue of Paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972)

The Sub-Committee was informed of a number of Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver Licence applicants and referrals who had given sufficient cause for concern as to be referred to the Sub-Committee for consideration.

Members discussed the applications and referrals as follows:

(i)                 K.J.C. (New Private Hire Applicant)

Mr Ryan Ratcliffe, Licensing Officer was in attendance and presented the case on behalf of the Authority.

The Sub-Committee was informed that the applicant had a conviction for an offence that had involved physical violence.

KJC, who was in attendance, explained that he had made a mistake and apologised for his behaviour in relation to the incident adding that it had been an isolated incident. He also reported that he had never been in trouble with the Police before or since the incident and, subject to the Sub-Committee’s decision, he had been offered employment with a local taxi operator. Following concerns related to non-payment of court costs, the applicant reassured the Sub-Committee that they had been paid via a payroll deduction from the salary paid to him by his current employer.

The Sub-Committee noted the nature of the offence. However, the applicant demonstrated remorse in relation to the incident which had occurred over four years ago and had alleviated other concerns and offered to provide evidence of his compliance with the payment of court costs.

Resolved:

To grant the application for a Private Hire Vehicle Driver’s Licence subject to satisfactory evidence being provided to the Licensing Service demonstrating that all court costs relating to the incident had now been paid.

(ii)               D.A.H. (New Private Hire Applicant)

Mr Ratcliffe reported that the applicant had two historical convictions and had been brought before Members as one of those was for an offence of a sexual nature.

DAH was in attendance and made representations to the Sub-Committee. He demonstrated regret and remorse and explained that the sexual offence was a mistake following excessive consumption of alcohol and had occurred many years ago. He added that he had since held a number of jobs and been in positions of responsibility.

Members reasoned that both convictions were historical and no longer gave rise to significant concerns. The driver’s attitude and demonstration of remorse alleviated any concerns the Sub-Committee had.

Resolved:

To grant the application for a Private Hire Vehicle Driver’s Licence.

(iii)             I.L.P (New Private Hire Applicant)

Mr Ratcliffe advised the Sub-Committee that the applicant had a previous conviction for a drink driving offence which had resulted in a lengthy driving ban.

ILP was in attendance and advised the Sub-Committee that he had made a grave error and had been driving over three times the legal limit when the incident occurred. The applicant expressed regret in relation to the incident and said it had happened during a difficult period in his personal life. He added that he no longer consumed alcohol and his circumstances had greatly improved since the time of the incident.

The Sub-Committee considered the case and whilst Members were deeply concerned at the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To note the date of the next meeting as 20 June 2017.

Members noted that the date of the next meeting was scheduled for Tuesday 20 June 2017.