Issue - meetings

Committee considered a report of the periodic review of the Taxi and Private Hire policies which explained proposed amendments to the policies. The report also recommended a public consultation be carried out on the proposed amendments.

The proposals in the report would aim to:

1) Ensure the policies are consistent with statutory guidance (Appendix 5) recommendations;

2) Increase the clarity of the policy, to ensure that licence holders and the public have a more detailed understanding of rights and responsibilities, and to ensure that the Joint Environmental Health Service and the Committee can ensure effective decision making;

3) Increase standards within the sector in relation to disability access and safety in line with the Equality Act 2010;

4) Improve medical assessment standards, fitness assessments for drivers, and cover undiagnosed conditions, to be consistent with other licensing authorities in the region (Appendix 6);

5) Update the policy in respect of legislative and application methods;

6) Ensure the definitions of criminal offences detailed in the policy are consistent with current legislation;

7) Improve safeguarding standards by requiring more detailed information of drivers assigned to a particular pick –up/job and training for operator’s staff;

8) Increase assurances as to the safety and history of licensed vehicles;

9) Improve customer service standards in the sector by including considerate parking and strengthening the requirements for vehicles to be clean and presentable.

Councillor Mary Dooley asked if Members had been allowed any input into the review up to this point. The Environmental Health Team Manager – Licensing explained that this particular review encompassed changes to the policies that had to be made by law, and Members would be able to highlight any issues they had with the policies once the public consultation began.

The three recommendations in the report were moved by Councillor Ray Heffer and seconded by Councillor Andrew Joesbury.

RESOLVED that:

(i) The Committee notes the proposed amendments to the Taxi and Private Hire Policies.

(ii) The Committee requires the Joint Assistant Director – Environmental Health to carry out a public consultation on the proposed amendments.

(iii) The Joint Assistant Director presents a further report for consideration by the Committee on the outcome of the Public Consultation in order to consider the renewal of the Taxi and Private Hire Policy.

(Joint Assistant Director – Environmental Health)