Agenda and minutes

The Democratic Officer informed the Committee that as both the Chairman and the Vice-Chairman had submitted their apologies for the meeting, a nomination for a chairman for the meeting was required from those Members present.  Councillor Paul Fellows was proposed and seconded.  There being no other nominations for Chairman, the Committee voted on the nomination before them and it was AGREED that Councillor Paul Fellows be appointed Chairman for this meeting only.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Pam Bosworth, Councillor Helen Crawford, Councillor Nikki Manterfield and Councillor Elvis Stooke.

The minutes of the meeting held on 5 April 2024 were proposed, seconded and AGREED.

To consider the consultation response following the Licensing Committee’s consideration of the Department of Transport’s updated guidance. 

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Governance and Licensing introduced the report which considered the response to the consultation on the Department of Transport’s updated guidance. 205  responses had been received to the consultation. He thanked the Licensing Manager and her Team for the work that had been done on the Policy and with the consultation process. The Licensing Manager then presented the report.

The Department for Transport issued a public consultation document which the Licensing Committee considered at the meeting on 10 May 2022 and approved the response submitted on behalf of South Kesteven District Council.  In November 2023 the Department for Transport issued their non-statutory best practice guidance.

At the Licensing Committee held on 16 February 2024 the Committee agreed that some of the items within the best practice guidance should be consulted on by the public.  Consultation was carried out between 19 March 2024 and 16 April 2024.

Licensing Authorities were responsible for deciding their own policy and making decisions on individual licensing matters. Applying the relevant law and any other relevant considerations.  Licensing Authorities must have due regard to the Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards 2020 (updated 25 November 2022).

Appendix 1 to the report outlined the Licensing Committee decisions from 16 February 2024 together with those matters which were the subject of consultation.   Appendix 2 was the consultation report and Appendix 3 was the consultation feedback.  The Committee were tasked with considering the outstanding matters and whether or not to make recommendations to amend the Policy to Full Council.

One of the recommendations from the February meeting was in respect of vehicle check/walkaround and evidence of the check be retained as proof of completion and that this was added to the Policy without consultation.  The Licensing Manager asked the Committee what retention period there should be for this documentation.

Members discussed the issue and it was proposed, seconded and RECOMMENDED that the documents be kept for 12 months.

Recommendation 1

That the vehicle check/walkaround evidence of proof be kept for 12 months.

Each outstanding matter was discussed and voted on individually.

6.4 Driver proficiency

Licensing authorities should require taxi and private hire drivers to undertake training and/or assessment focussed on attitudes and behaviours.

Such as IAM Roadsmart and the RoSPA, at first application and renewal.

Proposed addition to Policy:

Drivers to undertake training and/or assessment focussed on attitudes and behaviours.

Members felt that the addition of this item to the policy would help promote safer driving and more confidence in the driver by the public.

It was proposed, seconded and RECOMMENDED that the following be added to the Policy under section 6.4 Driver proficiency:

Drivers to undertake training and/or assessment focussed on attitudes and behaviours

Recommendation 2

Drivers to undertake training and/or assessment focussed on attitudes and behaviours.

6.13 Vehicle condition check

Drivers are always legally responsible for the vehicles condition. A driver should undertake a walkaround check before the vehicle is used.  Drivers should be required to retain the vehicle checklist as proof  ...  view the full minutes text for item 58.

The Chairman stated that the next scheduled meeting was 31 May 2024, however, this may be subject to change.

The meeting closed at 11:05