Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Posnett and Wilkinson.

Members to declare any interest as appropriate in respect of items to be considered at this meeting.

No declarations of interest were received.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 17 June 2021.

The minutes of the meeting held on 17 June 2021 were confirmed.

There have been no sub-committees held since the last the meeting therefore there are no minutes for consideration.

No Licensing Sub-Committees have been held since the last Licensing Committee meeting.

To receive a report to consider whether taxi fees charged for processing applications should be amended given the significant effect of the Coronavirus pandemic on the taxi trade.

The Taxi Fees 2021 were presented to the Committee. Members were informed that the Taxi Fees haven’t been reviewed since 2017. The taxi trade supports the rural and night-time economy but the pandemic has affected the taxi trade across the country. In addition to this the number of taxis has decreased since 2018 and now Melton has the lowest number of taxis in Leicestershire.

Discussion ensued regarding the private hire operators licence and the private hire vehicle licence. It was clarified to Members that a company with a fleet of vehicles would have to obtain an operators licence, each vehicle would have to have a vehicle licence and each driver would have to have a drivers licence.

Following a question regarding encouraging people to become taxi or private hire drivers, the Committee was informed that the Council are attempting to encourage more trade with the introduction of a one year licence and not raising fees beyond what is necessary in order to recover costs incurred. It was noted though, that the Council can only issue licences, it can not mandate drivers work at weekends, or at night to support the night-time economy.

A question was asked on whether the Council could provide a cheaper licence for those people who wish to drive only at weekends. It was confirmed that the cost of the licence reflects the work that the Council have to do administering that licence and in any event a licence cannot be part-time – once licensed the vehicle and driver remain licensed full-time for the entire duration of the licence.

In response to a question about the fees in comparison with other areas, the Committee was reassured that the fees are competitive.

RESOLVED

1.        The Committee APPROVED that the consultation commences with the taxi trade to understand the significance of amending fees including consideration of introducing a one year and two year drivers licence where there are the relevant circumstances.

2.       The Committee APPROVED setting the fee charged to drivers for the disclosure and barring service (DBS) check to be in line with the charge incurred by Melton Borough Council.

3.       The Committee AGREED that authority is delegated to the Director for Growth and Regeneration in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Climate, Access and Engagement to resolve any objections received and to implement the new fee table from 1 December 2021 to 31 March 2023.

To receive a report to which presents a Mobile Homes Policy including fees for approval.

The report on Mobile Homes Act 2013 Policy including fees was presented to the Committee with the Licensing and Compliance Officer introducing the report.

In response to a question regarding the number of sites in the Borough, it was confirmed that there are currently two sites which the Act applies to. Members were informed that, under the Act, a licence cannot be granted to a site until the site has received planning permission.

A discussion ensued regarding the behaviour of residents living on sites however, the Committee was informed that the Act aims to protect the residents living on the sites and does not seek to regulate the residents themselves.

It was noted that some site landlords have properties across the county, therefore Officers have been collaborating with other Councils throughout Leicestershire to establish a consistent and fair approach.

The Committee welcomed the introduction of a fit and proper test for people who wish to be a Site owner or Site manager.

In response to a question on whether the Council have had applications, Members were informed that Officers will be writing to sites and inviting them to apply.

RESOLVED

The Committee APPROVED the Mobile Homes Act 2013 Fees Policy and the fees contained therein.

To consider any other items that the Chair considers urgent

There was no urgent business for discussion.