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 interests on this occasion.

To agree the minutes of the last meeting held on 8 November 2016 as a true and correct record.

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 8 November 2016 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 an existing Hackney Carriage and Private Hire vehicle driver who had given sufficient cause for concern as to be referred to the Sub-Committee for consideration.

Members discussed the referral as follows:

PNC – Existing Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver

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

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

The case had been deferred from the previous meeting of 8 November 2016, to allow the driver an additional opportunity to attend.

The Sub-Committee was advised that the driver had been involved in an instance of theft and of harassment that had brought his suitability to operate as a licensed driver into question. Mrs Davies reminded Members of the seriousness of theft and dishonesty offences as outlined in the Hackney Carriage Licence Policy.

PNC explained that a series of difficult personal circumstances had led to him to commit the alleged offences against his former partner. He explained that he had admitted to both offences informing both the Police and the Licensing Service immediately after the events. He added that, in his opinion, his personal circumstances at the time had caused him to act in a way that was out of character.

Members acknowledged that the offences were of a serious nature. However, given the driver’s personal circumstances and the fact he had accepted responsibility for the offences, combined with his previously unblemished record as a licensed driver; the Sub-Committee accepted that these were exceptional mitigating circumstances in this particular case.

Resolved:

To take no further action against the driver in relation to the incident.

To note the date of the next meeting as 24 January 2017.

Members noted that the date of the next meeting was scheduled for Tuesday 24 January 2017.