Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Mrs J Kelly.  

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 27 June 2022.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Committee held on 27 June 2022 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

The Chairman reminded the Committee that Licensing training has been arranged for Monday 05 September 2022 at 3pm and will be held in the Council Chamber. The Chairman reminded members of the importance of undertaking this training which is required in order for members to be able to take part in Licensing Panel hearings. 

The Chairman also requested that members note that the date of the Committee meeting in October has changed from the 04 October to the 11 October.

To receive any declarations of interest from members in accordance with Standing Orders and the Council’s Code of Conduct.

There were no declarations of interest made at this meeting.

To receive any deputations of which notice has been lodged.

Deputations were received from Mr Stephen Wade, Managing Director of Radio Taxis, in respect of item 6 on the agenda and Mr Roderick Westmoreland from Radio Taxis in respect of item 7 on the agenda.

To receive a report by the Head of Environmental Health which presents a review of the Hackney Carriage Tariff for consideration.

A deputation was received in respect of this item from Mr Stephen Wade, Managing Director of Radio Taxis.

The Committee considered a report by the Head of Environmental Health which presented the details and outcome of the public consultation on the Hackney Carriage Tariff and invited members to consider whether an increase in the tariff would be appropriate.

Members noted that, at their own request, the Taxi Trade has not had an increase in tariff for several years as it has been keen to maintain an affordable service to the residents of Fareham.  However, due to the increasing cost of living, it was strongly felt that an increase would be appropriate this year.

In discussing the level of increase in the Hackney Carriage Tariff, members felt that it was important to pay high regard to the level of increase requested by the Trade, as they are best placed to understand what will work best for their industry. The Committee was therefore supportive that the Tariff be increased in line with option ii) as outlined in paragraph 7 of the report.

In discussing the proposed amendments to the Tariff Card, as outlined at paragraph 16 of the report, the Committee felt that no extra charge should be made to customers paying their fare by card but felt that it was reasonable that in the event of a journey including a toll or congestion charge, these should be added to the fare.

RESOLVED that, having considered the responses received from the consultation, the Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Committee:

(a)  considers that an increase in the Hackney Carriage Tariff is appropriate; and

(b)  recommends to the Executive that: 

                  i.        the Hackney Carriage Tariff be increased to £3.00 pull off plus 20p for each succeeding 170 metres;

                 ii.        the Tariff Card be updated to state that no extra charge may be made for making payments by card; and

                iii.        the Tariff Card be updated to state that any toll or congestion charge may be added to the fare. 

To receive a report by the Head of Environmental Health which outlines any proposed changes to the Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Requirements.

A deputation was received in respect of this item from Mr Roderick Westmoreland of Radio Taxis.

The Committee received a report by the Head of Environmental Health which presented proposed changes to the Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Requirements for consideration.

In discussing the proposal that drug testing be introduced, members were assured that if agreement in principle is given, research would be carried out by officers to ensure that the quality of the tests secured for use is fit for purpose.  

RESOLVED that the Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Committee:

(a)  approves the following amendments to the Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Requirements:

i.    the introduction of 6 monthly DBS checks via the update service;

ii.   the introduction of drug testing for new applicants and randomly for licensed drivers;

iii.  an amendment to documentation to include Tax checks

iv.  an amendment to documentation to start using the National Database of Refusals and Revocations (NR3);

v.   a requirement that vehicle age when first plating must be less than 5 years old; and

(b)  agrees to delegate authority to the Head of Environmental Health to redraft and publish the document to reflect these changes.

To consider a report by the Head of Environmental Health on the Committee’s Work Programme for 2022/23.

The Committee considered a report by the Head of Environmental Health on the Committee’s Work Programme for 2022/23.

RESOLVED that the Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Committee:

(a)  notes the progress on actions  arising from the meeting of the Committee held on 27 June 2022, as shown in Appendix A to the report; and

(b)  agrees the updated Work Programme  for 2022/23, as attached  as Appendix B to the report.