Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors Rose Bowler, Tricia Clough and Andrew Joesbury.

To note any urgent items of business which the Chairman has consented to being considered under the provisions of Section 100(B) 4(b) of the Local Government Act 1972.

There were no urgent items of business to be considered.

Members should declare the existence and nature of any Disclosable Pecuniary Interest and Non Statutory Interest as defined by the Members’ Code of Conduct in respect of:

a)  any business on the agenda

b)  any urgent additional items to be considered

c)  any matters arising out of those items

and if appropriate, withdraw from the meeting at the relevant time.

There were no declarations of interest made.

To consider the minutes of the last meeting held on 10^th February 2022.

Moved by Councillor Ray Heffer and seconded by Councillor Mary Dooley

RESOLVED that the minutes of a General Licensing Committee held on 10^th February 2022 be approved as a correct record.

The Environmental Health Team Manager – Licensing, reminded Members that the policy to make CCTV mandatory in Hackney Carriages & Private Hire Vehicles had been approved by Council at its meeting held on 18th May 2022 (Minute No. CL23-22/23 refers) and that all drivers had been advised of the change to the policy which would be implemented during October 2022.  A procurement exercise had been undertaken and two suppliers had responded, however, one of the suppliers could not meet the Council’s required specification.  A supplier, 4eyez, had been contracted to provide and install the CCTV units which would cost in the region of £500 - £800 dependent on the vehicle.  Unfortunately, due to contracting issues, there had been a slight delay in implementing the policy until the end of November and all drivers had been notified accordingly.

The installation of the CCTV units was being undertaken on a rolling basis when vehicles were booked in for MoTs.  It was hoped that all vehicles would have CCTV units installed by May 2023.

Liaison was taking place with the Council’s Communications Team in order to undertake a public relations exercise in the near future to promote businesses with the CCTV.  It was also intended to provide information to drivers and businesses to assist with advising customers that CCTV was installed and the Data Protection requirements.

It was noted that some concerns had been received from taxi drivers regarding the cost of having the CCTV units installed, however, since the implementation of the policy on 28^th November 2022 the number of enquiries regarding this had reduced.

A Member queried the information provided to taxi drivers.  The Environmental Health Team Manager – Licensing, advised that it was a requirement that CCTV units be installed on renewal of vehicle licences.  Some requests for exemptions had been received and these would need to be submitted to Committee for consideration.

A Member queried the grounds for an exemption.  The Environmental Health Team Manager – Licensing, stated that some taxi drivers had raised concerns regarding affordability.  She advised that anyone applying for an exemption would need to submit a legitimate business case detailing the reasons for the application, e.g. loss of business due to confidentiality of high profile passengers.  All applications for exemptions would be submitted to Committee for consideration.

A Member asked who was responsible for advising passengers that CCTV was installed in the vehicles.  The Environmental Health Team Manager – Licensing, stated that both the businesses (when making the booking) and taxi drivers were responsible for advising passengers of the CCTV.  There was also signage placed within vehicles.

Another Member queried if grant funding was available to assist with the cost of CCTV installation.  The Environmental Health Team Manager – Licensing, responded that, unfortunately, there was no funding available at this moment in time.

A Member asked if the Procurement Team had been involved in procuring the supply of CCTV units to ensure best value for money was achieved.  The Environmental Health Team Manager –  ...  view the full minutes text for item GLC5-22/23