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BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCIL
LICENSING AND APPEALS COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE LICENSING AND APPEALS COMMITTEE HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, COUNCIL OFFICES, CORKS LANE, HADLEIGH ON THURSDAY, 12 NOVEMBER 2009
PRESENT: Mr B L Lazenby - Chairman
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Mr J R B Cave
Mr D G Grutchfield
Mr L S Johnson
Mr B Riley
Mr J R A Sayers |
Mr R C Smith
Mr R W Thake
Mr A J Ward
Mr G S White
Mr L H Young |
Mr P J Holbrook was unable to be present.
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1 Declaration of Interests
2 Minutes
3 Petitions
4 Questions from Members
5 Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing - Driver Standards
6 Licensing Service Costs and Income
None declared.
RESOLVED
That the Minutes of the meetings held at 9.30 a.m. and 10.30 a.m on 1 October 2009 be confirmed and signed as correct records.
The Director of Corporate Services reported that in accordance with Council Procedure Rule No. 13, the receipt of the following petition which has been submitted to the Chief Executive:
The Boathouse, Cross Street, Sudbury
Petition signed by approximately 22 residents of the District objecting to the proposed variation of a premises licence in respect of the above premises. It was noted that the petitioner had been informed that the premises licence has now lapsed due to the status of the premises licence holder.
None received.
The Head of Natural and Built Environment submitted a report (Paper J130) outlining the procedures and checks to aid the Council with the assessment of “fit and proper person” status for combined Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver Licence applicants and holders in the Babergh District.
Members were requested to consider whether Babergh District Council should investigate the possibility of introducing additional assessment procedures in the form of a driving assessment test. This could be part of the application process for new driver applicants or extended to include all of the District’s licensed drivers over a period of any time. Any development of such a scheme would require full consultation with those likely to be affected.
RESOLVED
That a driver testing scheme be not introduced in Babergh at the present time and that any further consideration on this matter be deferred until such time as there are any relevant changes for example national guidance, local reorganisation or legislative change.
The Director of Finance introduced Paper J131 a report by the Head of Natural and Built Environment providing clarification on the costs and income relating to the licensing service.
The report outlined the need for costs to be rigorously examined and the scope for generating additional income by reviewing discretionary fee areas with an aim of helping to reduce net service costs.
Members considered the contents of the report and asked a number of questions to the Director of Finance.
In considering the matter Members requested that their concerns over the licensing costs and income including the fixed overheads be noted.
RESOLVED
(1) That the information contained within Paper J131 be noted.
(2) That the Head of Natural and Built Environment immediately commence with a review of the costs and fees payable for the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Function and report back to Committee in due course including any proposals for fee increases in 2010/11.
The business of the meeting was concluded at 10.35 a.m.
Chairman
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