Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED that Councillor S J Savage be appointed Chairman for the meeting.

IN THE CHAIR: COUNCILLOR S J Savage

The Chairman made introductions and confirmed that everyone present had been issued with the following papers:

·                     Report of the Chief Executive;

·                     Appendix 1 – The Council’s adopted Hackney Carriage ad Private Hire Drivers’ Licences Guidelines relating to the relevance of convictions;

·                     Appendix 2 - Completed disclosure certificate.

·                     Letter from Arrow Taxis received at the meeting.

The Chairman advised of a correction to the Members detailed on the summons letter.

The Chairman drew attention to the list of notices published on the back of the agenda.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors B S Beale MBE and A S Fluker.

To resolve that under Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act, and that this satisfies the public interest test.

RESOLVED that under Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act, and that this satisfies the public interest test.

To consider the report of the Director of Customers and Community, (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Chief Executive seeking Members’ consideration of an application for a Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Dual Driver’s Licence, there being relevant matters recorded against the applicant, Mr Godfrey.

The Licensing Officer took Members through the report highlighting the information shown on Disclosure and Baring Service (DBS) Certificate which had led to this matter being brought before the Sub-Committee.  The Officer further updated Members on matters that had arisen following publication of the report, including clarification of the applicant’s address.  At this time the applicant was reminded of his right to an appeal.

The Chairman then invited the applicant, Mr Godfrey, to make an opening statement.  Mr Godfrey provided further details in relation to his offence including details of his current employment.  At this time Mr Godfrey indicated that he did not have a copy of the letter from Arrow Taxis and in response a copy was provided and Mr Godfrey allowed time to read its content.

The Chairman then invited Mr Ambrose, the applicant’s character witness to provide any further information regarding Mr Godfrey. 

The Committee then asked Mr Godfrey a number of questions to which Mr Godfrey provided detailed response. 

The Chairman asked Mr Godfrey if he wished to make a closing statement.  Mr Godfrey thanked the Committee and confirmed he had nothing further to add.

RESOLVED that the meeting be adjourned at 2:25pm to allow Members to consider the application.

RESOLVED that the meeting resumes in open session at 2:42pm.

The Chairman advised that the Solicitor had been asked to join the Committee during its discussion to provide clarification regarding legal options.

The Committee raised a number of questions to which Mr Godfrey responded and in addition further information regarding Mr Godfrey’s current employment was provided.

RESOLVED that the meeting be adjourned at 2:50pm to allow Members to further consider the application.

RESOLVED that the meeting resumes at 3:00pm in closed session.

The Chairman advised that having heard the submissions from the application, the character witness report and read the letter from Arrow Taxis the Committee has decided to grant for a period of 18 months a Hackney Carriage licence.  At the end of this period, if there were no further issues, a full licence could be delegated to the Licensing Officer with no need for it to come back to the Committee.

Mr Godfrey was reminded at this time of right of appeal to the Magistrates Court.

RESOLVED that Mr Stephen Godfrey be granted a Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Dual Driver’s Licence for a period of 18 months.  At the end of this period if there were no further issues approval of a full licence is delegated to the Licensing Officer with no need for consideration by the Committee.