Agenda and minutes

(Enclosure)

The minutes of the meeting held on 5th September were agreed as a correct record of the decisions taken.

None declared.

Report Number TS057 from the Economic Development Portfolio Holder (Member Equalities Champion).

(Enclosure)

Decision

Cabinet approves the adoption of the draft Corporate Equality Scheme for 2011-2014.

Considerations/reasons for decision:

1)            Report number TS0057 from the Economic Development Portfolio holder (Member Equalities Champion).

2)            Section 149 of the Equality Act 2010 and the Equality Duty.

3)            Consultations carried out including meetings of the Community Focus Forum which had been really helpful.

4)            Comments made by Members at the meeting.

Other Options considered:

Not applicable.

Report Number ENV550 from the Portfolio Holder Engagement & Corporate Services Portfolio.

(Enclosure)

Decision

1)    That Cabinet approves the adoption of the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing policy subject to the inclusion of the amendments circulated separately.

2)    The Portfolio Holder responsible for the policy (Engagement & Corporate Services) to be authorised to make any further modifications to the scheme in discussion with the relevant Officers.

Considerations/Reasons for decision:

1)            Report number ENV550 from the Portfolio Holder Engagement and Corporate Services.

2)            The consultation exercise carried out with various bodies.

3)            The need to have an effective policy to guide and inform members, the trade and the general public on the standards it considers necessary in maintaining and improving standards of drivers and vehicles.

4)            Comments made by Members at the meeting.

5)            A policy will ensure a transparent and consistent approach to licensing that will reduce the opportunity for challenge through the courts.

Other options considered;

An alternative option would be to continue with the current licensing process, using the procedures that have been developed over a number of years, with no defined Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing policy document.

Report Number ENV549 from the Engagement & Corporate Services Portfolio Holder.

(Enclosure)

Decision

That Cabinet approves the adoption of the Street Trading Policy to come into effect on 1st January 2012.

Considerations/reasons for decision:

1)            Report ENV549 from the Portfolio Holder Engagement & Corporate Services.

2)            The new policy draws together best practice from each of the current two policies.

3)            Consultation undertaken between August and September 2011 with various stakeholders.

4)            Section 3 and schedule 4 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 which allows licensing authorities to control street trading activities within its area.

Other Options considered:

To prohibit street trading in certain streets, this was considered to be too inflexible and difficult to enforce.

Presentation by Chief Executive.

The Cabinet received a presentation from the Chief Executive pulling together all the work that the Cabinet/SMT had undertaken on understanding issues for the district and making sure that the priorities of the Council were fit for purpose.  The Council’s vision for the district and the four key priority elements of economic growth, clean, green & Healthy, leisure & culture and balanced housing were discussed. 

A report on the priorities would be put to Council on 20th October 2011. Workshops to give context to the proposed vision and priorities would be arranged during the week commencing 10th October and also the morning of Council on 20th October for all Members of the Council to attend.

Decisions CO23, CO24 and CO25 as made on 3rd October 2011 can be implemented on 12th October unless subject to call-in by the Scrutiny Committee Chairman or  any five members of the Council from any political groups.