Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Helen Crawford and Paul Fellows.

There were none.

The minutes of the meeting held on 2 February 2024 were proposed, seconded and AGREED.

Committee to consider the consultation response and revised guidance issued by the Department for Transport in November 2023 following the June 2022 consultation.

The Licensing Manager presented the report.

The current Policy had been adopted and became operational on 1 April 2021. The Policy was fundamental to protecting public safety and keeping people from harm and provided the framework upon which the Authority delivers its statutory functions relating to hackney carriage ad private hire licensing.

The Department for Transport (DfT) issued a public consultation document, which the Licensing Committee considered on 10 May 2022 and approved the response submitted on behalf of South Kesteven District Council. In November 2023, the DfT’s consultation response was issued.

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Governance and Licensing provided further background and history of the policy. Concern was raised on the opinion of local taxi drivers.

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Governance and Licensing read out a statement on behalf of Councillor Tim Harrison.

Members queried the timeframe in which a decision had to be made on the policy.

It was confirmed that the policy decision had no official deadline. It was further clarified that dependent upon the decisions Licensing Committee would take during the meeting in regard to consultations that may be voted for, that the consultation response may not be considered by Full Council on 29 February 2024.

Appendix 1 provided a table showing a summary of areas in the revised guidance which were inconsistent with the Council’s existing Policy. The roles of licensing authorities were discussed individually:

Role of Licensing Authorities

3.7 – Changing licensing policy and requirements 

The Committee queried whether any consultation with taxi drivers had taken place.

One Member questioned how regularly English tests were completed in regard to the review of licences.

The Licensing Manager confirmed that the review of licences were every 3 years. It was noted that there had been a number of complaints from passengers on the level of English spoken by drivers.

The English test taken by licence holders was discussed, drivers were not required to re-take the English test at the point of renewing their licence.

It was highlighted that drivers were required to provide proof of GCSE English qualification to be exempt.

It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to only review licences already issued, it was agreed for this to not go out to consultation.

Accessibility

Wheelchair Accessibly Vehicles (WAV)

Members discussed the different sizes and types of wheelchairs and whether they would fit into certain taxis.

It was highlighted that drivers had a duty of care to assist a disabled passenger. It was driver’s discretion as to whether they could transport a disabled passenger safely in regard to the size of the wheelchair they can accept, as there was no defined ‘standard’ size of wheelchair.

A query was raised around accepting assistance dogs into vehicles.

It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to not consider amending the policy and for this to not go out to consultation.

Communication barriers

4.2. It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to not consider amending the policy and for this to not go out to consultation.

4.2.1. Clarification  ...  view the full minutes text for item 46.

There were none.

The Chairman closed the meeting at 13:10.