Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillor Dexter Bullock, Councillor Sandra Peake (Portfolio Holder - Housing) and Councillor Janet Tait.

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 consider.

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.

Members were requested to declare the existence and nature of any disclosable pecuniary interests and/or other interests, not already on their register of interests, in any item on the agenda and withdraw from the meeting at the appropriate time.

There were no declarations of interest made.

To consider the minutes of the last Climate Change and Communities Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 7^th September 2021.

Moved by Councillor David Dixon and seconded by Councillor Evonne Parkin.

RESOLVED that the Minutes of a Climate Change and Communities Scrutiny Committee held on 7^th September 2021 be approved as a correct record.

(Members should contact the officer whose name appears on the List of

Key Decisions for any further information.  NB: If Members wish to discuss an exempt report under this item, the meeting will need to move into exempt business and exclude the public in accordance with the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 and Local Government Act 1972, Part 1, Schedule 12a for that part of the meeting only).

The Scrutiny & Elections Officer presented the list of Key Decisions to Members.

RESOLVED that the list of Key Decisions be noted.

The Environmental HealthManager – Commercial & Environment presented the draft Taxi Licensing Policy: Hackney Carriages & Private Hire Vehicles (CCTV Supplement) for the Scrutiny Committee to consider and feedback. He explained how the attached policy amendments would introduce mandatory CCTV in taxis in line with new Government guidance.

Councillor David Dixon asked if there was a way for the Council to give financial help to taxi companies who would have to install the cameras. The Environmental HealthManager – Commercial & Environment explained that the Deputy Monitoring Officer was investigating the Council’s options to offer financial assistance.

Councillor David Dixon asked how long companies would be given to conform. The Environmental Health Manager – Commercial & Environment explained that this would be a rolling period.

The Chair asked if low interest loans could be a method to assist the taxi companies. TheEnvironmental HealthManager – Commercial & Environment stated that it was not possible to administer.

Councillor David Dixon asked if other local authorities were making CCTV in taxis mandatory. The Environmental Health Manager – Commercial & Environment explained that statutory guidance released by the Department for Transport (DfT) in 2020 suggested all local authorities should make CCTV in taxis mandatory, and the Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner had also stated her support for all local authorities in Derbyshire doing the same.

Councillor David Dixon asked if every driver with a licence at the Council would have to install CCTV, because he felt that with a number of drivers having their licence with Bolsover District Council but being based outside the District, this could create complications. The Environmental HealthManager – Commercial & Environment stated he would investigate this.

Moved by Councillor Evonne Parkin and seconded by Councillor David Dixon.

RESOLVED that the Committee has reviewed the draft Taxi Licensing Policy: Hackney Carriages & Private Hire Vehicles (CCTV Supplement) and provided comments for consideration.

(Environmental HealthManager – Commercial & Environment/Environmental Health Team Manager – Licensing)

The Environmental HealthManager – Commercial & Environment presented the periodic review of the Taxi and Private Hire policies for the Committee to consider.

Councillor David Dixon referred to the policy amendments about people being able to apply online and asked if other local authorities did this as well. The Environmental HealthManager – Commercial & Environment explained that the online service was operated by the same company who do the Council’s online Planning applications, and examples of best practice for this were shared between local authorities since the Council was part of a number of regional groups.

Moved by Councillor David Dixon and seconded by Councillor Evonne Parkin.

RESOLVED that the Committee has reviewed the proposed amendments to the Taxi and Private Hire Policies and provided comments for consideration.

(Environmental HealthManager – Commercial & Environment/Environmental Health Team Manager – Licensing)

The Scrutiny & Elections Officer presented the Work Programme 2021/22 to Members. She explained that the scope for the proposed Review of Voluntary & Community Sector Grant Allocations had been amended and was attached at Appendix 2.

The Work Programme and the review scope was moved by Councillor Anne Clarke and seconded by Councillor Nick Clarke.

RESOLVED that the Committee:

(i) Notes the report and the Programme attached at Appendix 1 for approval;

(ii) Approves the draft scope (Review of Voluntary & Community Sector Grant Allocations) attached at Appendix 2.

(Scrutiny & Elections Officer)

Meeting concluded at 1030 hours.