To receive any apologies for absence, including notifications of any changes to the membership of the Committee.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Amil, Dart, Mills and John Thomas.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of this Committee held on 8 August 2019.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Licensing Committee held on 8 August 2019 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To consider a report that seeks approval of the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy.

The Licensing Committee considered a report which sought approval of revisions that had been made to the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy (the Policy).  The Principal Licensing Officer advised Members that in 2018 a detailed review of the Policy was undertaken and the Policy was subsequently ratified by Licensing Committee on 1 November 2018.  The current revisions to the Policy were undertaken to provide additional clarification, the revisions had been the subject of a six week consultation period which concluded on 1 October 2019.  Members were advised that one representation was received and comments were raised at a taxi group meeting.

Members specific guidance was sought in relation to:

(i)    The requirement to carry a phone number on private hire vehicle door signs

(ii)   Minimum luggage space requirement in relation to Multi Passenger Vehicles; and

(iii)  Disability and Dementia Awareness training.

Members were supportive of the suggested clarification/revision in relation to (i) and (ii) above.  Members advised the Principal Licensing Officer that they wished to proceed with the intention for all new drivers to undertake disability and dementia awareness training, having relayed personal experiences of both caring for people with dementia and value gained from undertaking this training themselves.  Members considered the training would aid a Licensed Drivers understanding of disabilities and dementia and provide safeguards for them and the public.

To note a report on the decisions made by officers under delegated powers.

Members noted the submitted report.

To note a report on decisions made by officers under delegated powers.

Members noted the submitted report and update on pending appeals. 

The Chairman provided an update on action taken to lobby government to increase the fees set by the Secretary of State under powers set out in the Licensing Act 2003 (Fees) Regulations 2005.  The Principal Licensing Officer advised a letter had been drafted and would be sent to Torbay’s Members of Parliament, the Secretary of State and the Local Government Association.  Members further requested the letter be shared with the Devon Licensing Officers Group and colleagues be encouraged to lobby government.