Agenda and draft minutes

17^th January 2023

It was moved by Councillor Neil Buttle, Seconded by Councillor Mark Wakeman and

RESOLVED

That the minutes of the meeting of the Licensing and Appeals Committee held on 17 January 2023 be approved as a correct record.

Voting

05 For

00 Against

08 Abstentions

The Chair declared the motion CARRIED.

Members are required to declare the existence and nature of any interests they may have in subsequent agenda items in accordance with the District Council’s Code of Conduct. Those interests are matters that relate to money or that which can be valued in money, affecting the Member, her/his partner, extended family and close friends. Interests that become apparent at a later stage in the proceedings may be declared at the time.

There were no declarations of interest.

To enable members of the public to ask questions, express views or present petitions, IF NOTICE HAS BEEN GIVEN, (by telephone, in writing or by email) BY NO LATER THAN 12 NOON OF THE WORKING DAY PRECEDING THE MEETING. As per Procedural Rule 14.4 at any one meeting no person may submit more than 3 questions and no more than 1 such question may be asked on behalf of one organisation.

There was no public participation.

To provide an update regarding the temporary pavement licensing regime introduced in 2020. The report takes account of proposals contained in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill 2022, to provide an extension of the current licensing provisions beyond 30 September 2024.

The Licensing Manager provided an update regarding the temporary pavement licensing regime introduced in 2020. The report considered the proposals contained in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill 2022, to provide an extension of the current licensing provisions beyond 30 September 2024.

It was moved by Councillor Peter Slack, seconded by Councillor Neil Buttle and

RESOLVED (unanimously)

1.    That the report be noted, and the extension to the temporary pavement licence regime be implemented, with applications for pavement licences to expire on or before 30 September 2024 being invited from food and drink businesses, (subject to enabling legislation being introduced).

2.    That the viability of a band structure of fees for temporary pavement licensing be investigated for possible implementation to alleviate the cost pressures on small businesses within the district.

The Chair declared the motion CARRIED.

To provide the Committee with an update on the review of the Council’s Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Policy, informing Members of additional changes made to the consultation document approved at the January 2023 meeting of the Committee.

The Licensing Manager provided the Committee with an update on the review of the Council’s Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Policy, informing members of additional changes made to the consultation document approved at the January 2023 meeting of the Committee.

It was moved by Councillor Steve Flitter, seconded by Councillor Mark Wakeman and

RESOLVED (Unanimously)

1.    That the Committee agree the amendments made to the Draft Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Policy consultation document. (Original draft policy document approved at the January 2023 meeting).

2.    That the Committee agree the revised dates of the 8-week consultation exercise as 1^st July to 31^st August 2023.

3.    That the results of the consultation exercise are reported to the October 2023 meeting of this Committee for further consideration and to agree a Final Draft Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Policy for referral to the full Council, seeking approval to adopt and republish by 1^st January 2024.

4.    That further amendments to the draft Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Policy be identified which aim to incentivise the use of electric and hybrid vehicles to address air quality concerns within the district.

The Chair declared the motion CARRIED.