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

In accordance with the code of conduct, Councillor Rennie declared a private interest in minute 95 and withdrew from the meeting.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 13 November 2014.

Agreed that the minutes of the meeting held on 13 November 2014 are confirmed as a correct record.

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

The committee was advised that a letter had been received from Mr Hamilton of the Plymouth Licensed Taxi Association.  It was not appropriate for the Taxi Licensing committee to consider the issues raised in the letter and the letter had been passed to Councillor Coker, Cabinet Member for Transport.  A meeting to discuss the issues raised in the letter would be arranged between Councillor Coker, Mr Hamilton and Andy Netherton (Service Manager, Public Protection Service).  Councillor Jarvis, as Chair of the Taxi Licensing committee would attend if required.

(Andy Netherton left the meeting after this item)

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

The committee was advised that there had been no appeal cases since the last meeting.

To consider passing a resolution under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 to exclude the press and public from the meeting for the following item(s) of business on the grounds that it (they) involve(s) the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph(s) 3 and 7 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act, as amended by the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Agreed that under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, to exclude the press and 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 paragraphs 3 and 7 of Part 1 Schedule 12a of the Act, as amended by the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

To confirm the confidential minutes of the meeting held on 13 November 2014.

Agreed that the confidential minutes of the meeting held on 13 November 2014 are confirmed as a correct record.

The Director of Public Health will submit a report on an application for the grant of a private hire driver’s licence.

The committee –

The committee agreed to grant SMB’s application for a private hire driver’s licence subject to him completing the Topographical Knowledge of Plymouth test and the VRQ driver qualification in Transporting Passengers by Taxi and Private Hire or equivalent, within 12 months of receiving his licence.

Note – Councillor Rennie voted against this decision.

The Director of Public Health will submit a report on an application for the grant of a private hire driver’s licence.

The committee –

The committee agreed to grant SE’s application for a private hire driver’s licence with no requirement to obtain any prerequisites.

The Director of Public Health will submit a report on an application for the grant of a hackney carriage driver’s licence.

The committee –

The committee agreed to grant AJL’s application for a hackney carriage driver’s licence.  They considered the time that had elapsed since the grant of his previous licence and while he was excused from sitting the Knowledge of Plymouth test, he would be required to produce a satisfactory medical certificate to the Licensing Department and also complete a Driving Standards test. 

He would also be required to complete a VRQ in Transporting Passengers by Taxi and Private Hire or its equivalent within 12 months of receiving his licence.  As this is the second time that members have made this stipulation, if the certificate is not produced by 10 December 2015, he will be brought before the committee and all sanctions against his licence will be considered at that time.

The Director of Public Health will submit a report on a hackney carriage driver’s review of licence status.

The committee –

The committee agreed that having taken the above into account to suspend HAR’s licence for a period of five days under Section 19(1)(b) of the Plymouth City Council Act 1975.  This constitutes one day in respect of the first offence and two days each for the second and third offences.  A warning has also been issued which will remain on his file indefinitely and will be brought to the committee’s attention if he appears before them again.

(Please note:  there is a confidential part to this minute)

(Councillor Rennie declared a private interest in this matter and withdrew from the meeting)

The Director of Public Health will submit a report on a private hire driver’s review of licence status.

The committee –

The committee agreed that having taken the above into account to suspend WAF’s private hire driver’s licence for three days under Section 19(1)(b) of the Plymouth City Council Act 1975.  This represents one day for the speeding offence, one day for not reporting that offence and one day for committing the offence within his probationary period.  He has also been given a warning which will remain on his file indefinitely and will be brought to the committee’s attention if he appears before them again.

(Please note:  there is a confidential part to this minute)

(Councillor Bowie left the meeting after this item)

The Director of Public Health will submit a report on a private hire driver’s review of licence status.

The Licensing Officer advised that RGW would not be attending the committee due to personal reasons.  It was agreed that the matter would be adjourned to the next available committee.

The Director of Public Health will submit a report on a hackney carriage driver’s review of licence status.

The committee was advised that JSH was unable to find representation in sufficient time before the committee hearing and it was agreed that the matter would be adjourned to the next available committee.