Issue - meetings

The Committee received an update from the Licensing Team Leader regarding the work being undertaken to review the Taxi and Private Hire Licensing policy.  The policy was due for review having been adopted by Council in December 2015.   The Committee agreed at its meeting in November 2019 that the policy should include additional measures to improve driver, vehicle and private hire operators’ standards. The National Standards for Taxis and Private Hire Standards had not yet been issued and the Lead Councillor and officers felt that it was appropriate to wait until these were published before finalising a new draft policy for consultation. 

The coronavirus pandemic had also involved the redeployment of officer time in responding to the provision of key services to residents.  In addition, the licensed trade had experienced a significant reduction in trade during this period and may therefore not fully engage with consultation on a new policy at this time. 

The Committee having considered the report;

RESOLVED to approve the delay in the review of the Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Policy until September or later depending on publication of the national guidance and resource required to assist with the Council’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.