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

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Kavanagh, Kennedy, Pentney, Sykes and Thomas (J).  It was noted that there was a Liberal Democrat vacancy on the Committee.

To consider a report setting out the outcome of an Unmet Demand Survey commissioned by Torbay Council in response to the guidance issued by the Department for Transport.

The Licensing Officer presented the submitted report which set out the outcome of an Unmet Demand Survey commissioned by Torbay Council in response to the guidance issued by the Department for Transport.  The Committee noted previous reviews and the requirement to undertake an updated review.  The Committee also heard from an independent consultant and considered factors from the recent Corona Virus pandemic.

Resolved:

(i)        That Torbay Council should maintain the current quantitative limit of Hackney Carriage licences.  At present there are 162 full time licences, with 7 additional seasonal only licences (1 full time and 1 seasonal only licence which not previously been renewed and re-issued).  The recommendation to have 169 full time licences be approved; and

(ii)       that a clear policy for allocating non-renewed licences and any future Hackney Carriage licences be determined.  As per the consultant’s recommendation these licences should be allocated only to zero emission vehicles.

To consider the submitted report setting out the new Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy referred to as ‘The Policy’.  This Policy shall amend and replace the existing Policy.

The Committee considered the submitted report which set out a revised Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy. It was noted that this Policy would amend and replace the existing Policy.

Resolved:

That the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy, as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be approved.