Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Chandler, Fisher, Glancy, Posnett and Wilkinson.

Councillors Bindloss, de Burle and Pritchett were appointed as substitutes.

Councillor Bains was not in attendance.

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

There were no declarations of interest.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 9 September 2021

The minutes of the meeting held on 9 September were confirmed.

To note the minutes of the Licensing Sub Committee held on 13 October 2021

The minutes of the Licensing Sub Committee held on 13 October 2021 were noted.

The report provides Members with knowledge of the work carried out by the Licensing Team and the wider impacts and benefits of the licensing regime

The report provided Members with knowledge of the work carried out by the Licensing Team and the wider impacts and benefits of the licensing regime.

It was noted that the service regulated public facing services and ensured the health, safety and protection of providers and users of facilities such as taxis, tattoo parlours, personal care services. It also covered the licensing of dangerous animals in homes and zoos and illegal trading of animals such as puppy farms.

The number of days to process the licences was set out in the report and comparisons with previous years were noted.

From the figures provided, it was noted that there had been a 25% reduction in the past year in taxi licences issued as well as a drop in other licensing services due to the pandemic. This had affected the night-time economy as well as Council income. The comprehensive and detailed reports were complimented and it was advised these were downloaded from the licensing software, lalpac. It was felt that Members may benefit from training to understand the licensing application process.

There had been additional temporary staffing support provided to renew the licensing website pages as well as to streamline the service for the public to self-serve a licensing application with Customer Services supporting any queries and this had been funded from covid money.

Members considered that a regular performance report was needed and six monthly was felt to be appropriate.

RESOLVED

(1)  That the information be noted;

(2)  That an updated performance paper to be brought to committee on a six monthly basis.

The report invites Members to consider and approve the Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Principles 2022-2025 and publish for consultation

The report invited Members to consider and approve the Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Principles 2022-2025 and publish for consultation.

It was noted that the Statement of Principles must be reviewed every 3 years and the amendments proposed were highlighted to Members. Once finalised by the Committee the document would be available for public consultation from 2 December to 30 December 2021 and the final document was to be published by 31 January 2022.

RESOLVED

(1)   That commencement of a consultation process in respect of the revised Gambling Act 20015 Statement of Principles be approved;

(2)   That authority be 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 updated Statement of Principles.

The report explains that recent new legislation The Mobile Homes (Requirement for Manager of Site to be Fit and Proper Person) (England) Regulations 2020 places a requirement for local authorities to determine whether a site owner or site manager is ‘Fit & Proper’ to manage a site. This policy is presented for approval and aims to provide clarity to applicants, officers and Members in how to determine whether an applicant is a ‘Fit & Proper person’ appointed to manage a site

The report explained that recent new legislation The Mobile Homes (Requirement for Manager of Site to be Fit and Proper Person) (England) Regulations 2020 placed a requirement for local authorities to determine whether a site owner or site manager is ‘Fit & Proper’ to manage a site. This policy was presented for approval and aimed to provide clarity to applicants, officers and Members in how to determine whether an applicant was a ‘Fit & Proper person’ appointed to manage a site.

The Licensing and Compliance Officer advised that the policy had been formulated with other local authorities and the Leicestershire Licensing Forum  to ensure a consistent approach to meet the legislative requirements. The policy only applied to residential sites and referred to the Site owner or manager.

It was advised that any breaches of compliance or complaints would be dealt with in the usual way and the policy focussed on a proactive checklist approach for use when a Site Manager was registered. Criteria included personal history, assessment as to suitability should there be any convictions as well as annual inspections once appointed. The policy enabled the Site Manager to be the responsible person with the appropriate tools to manage the site. It was intended that the Council would work with the Site Manager to resolve any complaints or issues.

RESOLVED

That the Mobile Homes (Requirement for managers of site to be a Fit & Proper Person) (England) Regulations 2020 - Determination Policy be approved.

To consider any other items that the Chair considers urgent

There was no urgent business.