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 20 June 2017 as a true and correct

record.

The Sub-Committee considered the minutes of the previous meeting held on 20 June 2017.

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 20 June 2017 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

To consider the attached report and determine whether there is any significant demand for the services of hackney Carriages which is unmet for the purpose of restricting the number of Hackney Carriage vehicles in the Borough.

The Sub-Committee considered a report produced by CTS on unmet demand for taxis within Blackpool.

Mrs S Davies, Head of Licensing Service highlighted that such a survey was necessary if the Council was to continue with its long standing policy of limiting the number of Hackney Carriages licensed within Blackpool. The survey had not identified any significant unmet demand within Blackpool.

The Sub-Committee noted the more general issues raised in the report regarding public perceptions of taxi services within Blackpool and the Chairman explained that these would be addressed separately through the Taxi Liaison Meeting.

Resolved:

To accept the content of the report and determine that the current policy of limiting the number of vehicles to 256 motorised and 44 Horse Drawn Hackney Carriages should continue.

Resolved: 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 decisions referred to at Agenda items 4 and 5 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 considered an applicant and licence holder who have been convicted of offences or who have otherwise given reasons for concern.

Members discussed the application and referral as follows:

(i)                 M.R.J.T (Existing Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle driver)

The driver was in attendance and made representations to the Sub-Committee.

Mr Mark Marshall, Licensing/Health and Safety Enforcement Manager, was in attendance and presented the case of behalf of the Local Authority. He highlighted the significant concerns regarding the M.R.J.T’s conduct and inappropriate contact with vulnerable young people. He highlighted that the concerns had come from a number of different and credible sources.

M.R.J.T presented evidence on his own behalf. He highlighted his view that the concerns were not correct or were the result of misunderstandings and that he remained a suitable person to hold such a licence.

The Sub-Committee considered carefully the evidence submitted by both parties. It expressed serious concerns regarding the conduct of the driver and that it fell far below that expected of a licensed driver. The Sub-Committee further considered that M.R.J.T.’s actions endangered significantly public safety

Resolved:

That the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver’s Licence issued to M.R.J.T. be revoked with immediate effect

ii) C.L.H (New Horse Drawn Hackney Carriage applicant)

The driver was in attendance and made representations to the Sub-Committee.

Mr Luke Andrews, Licensing Officer, was in attendance and presented the case of behalf of the Local Authority. He highlighted the concerns regarding C.L.H’s convictions both driving offences and one offence involving dishonesty. Mr Andrews highlighted the Council’s policy’s view regarding such offences and that applications would not normally be granted with such recent convictions.

C.L.H. made representations to the Sub-Committee and explained the personal circumstances around the convictions that these were out of character and had occurred at a difficult time in her life. She further highlighted that she had a great deal of carriage driving experience and

The Sub-Committee considered that given  the personal circumstances outlined by the applicant it should depart from its policy and grant the application subject to a warning as to future conduct.

Resolved:

That in respect of C.L.H. the Horse Drawn Hackney Carriage Driver’s Licence be issued subject to a warning letter being issued that in the event of future concerns the licence may be suspended or revoked.

(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 considered an application to review conditions imposed on Hackney Carriage licences.

The Sub-Committee noted a request had been received from the Licence Holder to delay consideration of the request until a future meeting to enable the Licence Holder to attend.

Resolved:

To defer consideration of the item to the next meeting.

To note the date of the next meeting as 15 August 2017.

The Sub-Committee noted the date of the next meeting as 15 August 2017.