Members will be asked to make any declarations of interest in respect of items on this agenda.

No declarations of interest were made.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 11 January 2024.

The Committee agreed the minutes from the meeting held on 11 January as a correct record.

To receive reports on business which, in the opinion of the Chair, should be brought forward for urgent consideration.

Councillor Kevin Moore was appointed as Vice-Chair and thanks were given to Councillor Tuffin for his work as previous Vice-Chair.

The Committee will be provided with the results of the judgement on appeal cases that went to Court.

There were no updates on any appeal cases.

The Committee will be provided with the Number of Certificates of Good Conduct Exemptions Granted.

There were no certificates of good conduct exemptions granted.

Nicola Horne (Environmental Health Manager) introduced the report and highlighted the following points:

a)    An Executive Decision had been made to consult on various proposed amendments and a public consultation was carried out between 24 October to 23 November 2023;

b)    The proposed amendments and associated documents were published on Plymouth City Council’s website and in addition all councillors, all licensed drivers, vehicle proprietors and operators were consulted as well as a variety of agencies and departments including disability groups, resident’s associations and businesses;

c)    A total of 386 responses were received following the public consultation;

The Committee agreed to the following recommendations:

i)             That Taxi Licensing Committee after considering the proposed amendments and associated consultation responses received and detailed in the above report in section 4 to 10 & 12, approve the amendments as detailed.

ii)            The Taxi Licensing Committee consider the proposed amendment and associated consultation responses detailed in section 11 regarding engine size and capacity and approve the proposal as detailed.

iii)           The Taxi Licensing Committee resolve that all approved proposed changes are inserted into the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy and associated vehicle conditions and guidance documents to take effect on 1 April 2024 to allow sufficient time for implementation.

To consider passing a resolution under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972 to exclude the press and the public from the meeting for the following items of business, on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information, as defined in paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act, as amended by the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

The Committee agreed to pass a resolution under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 to exclude the press and the public from the meeting for the following items of business, on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information, as defined in paragraph 1/2/3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act, as amended by the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

To confirm the confidential minutes of the meeting held on 11 January 2024.

The Committee agreed the confidential minutes of the meeting held on 11 January 2024 as a correct record.

The Committee:

a) Considered all that was said by the driver;

b) Considered all the information contained within the report;

c) Considered all relevant policies referred to in the report;

d) Asked itself whether it would want a person they cared for or a vulnerable person to be driven in a vehicle driven by the driver.

The Committee agreed to:

1.    Not grant the Private Hire Driver Licence.

The Committee:

a) Considered all that was said by the driver;

b) Considered all the information contained within the report;

c) Considered all relevant policies referred to in the report;

d) Asked itself whether it would want a person they cared for or a vulnerable   person to be driven in a vehicle driven by the driver.

The Committee agreed to:

1.    Grant the Private Hire Driver Licence.