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

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Barnby, Darling (M), Ellery, Parrott, Pentney, Stubley, Thomas (J) and Tolchard.

Councillor Doggett as Vice-Chairman chaired the meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of this Committee held on 12 May 2016.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Licensing Committee held on 10 November 2016 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To consider a report that seeks minor amendments to the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy.

The Committee considered a report that sought agreement for minor amendments to the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy.  The Principal Licensing Officer advised the Committee that the changes related to:

·         Driver licence periods;

·         The use of CCTV equipment;

·         Driver Standards Agency Practical Driving Tests; and

·         Child Sexual Exploitation Training.

Resolved:

i)       That the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy 2013 be amended as set out in ‘Appendix A – Supporting Information to Report’ to the submitted report; and

ii)      that these changes take immediate effect.

To consider a report that reviews the need and work done to increase the percentage of wheelchair accessible vehicles within the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Fleets.

Members considered a report that set out work undertaken with regard to achieving an aspirational target of 20% of the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire fleet being wheelchair accessible vehicles.  Members were advised that over the last four years officers had been looking at ways to increase the percentage of wheelchair accessible vehicles licensed in Torbay.  This has led to a doubling of the percentage of accessible vehicles but has since remained stubbornly at this level for several years.

The Environmental Health Manager (Commercial) informed Members that a number of options had been considered and consultation had taken place.  However the consultation response was low with none of the options being universally received.  Subsequently a review of the perceived lack of wheelchair accessible vehicles was undertaken, the findings had not been able to evidence a problem.  There have been no recent Council complaints and no disability user group has engaged during the two consultation exercises suggesting there is no significant problem.  Significantly, there is a new Private Hire company who is dedicated to providing wheelchair accessible vehicles, which is advertised on the Council website along with other providers.

Resolved:

That no additional work be undertaken to increase the percentage of wheelchair accessible vehicles in either the Hackney Carriage and the Private Hire fleets at this time.

To consider a report that informs Members of the decisions taken in relation to Licensing Act 2003 applications.

Members noted a report that informs Members of the decisions taken in relation to Licensing Act 2003 applications by the Assistant Director of Community and Customer Services under delegated powers.

To consider a report that informs Members of the decisions taken in relation to Gambling Act 2005 applications.

Members noted a report that informed them of decisions taken in relation to Gambling Act 2005 applications by the Assistant Director of Community and Customer Services under delegated powers.