A minute’s silence was held in remembrance of Jim Astin, a colleague from the Licensing Team who had died recently.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the last meeting as enclosed.

The minutes of the last meeting were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To consider questions, statements or petitions from members of the public.

Cllr Alan Hosker attended and spoke on:

·         Taxi drivers not wearing badges as required.

·         Taxi drivers not assisting passengers with luggage/shopping as required.

·         Drivers plying for hire and the issues associated with this.

Karen Davies responded detailing enforcement work resulting in drivers being brought to Committee for hearings, newsletters sharing key messages.  She also re-iterated that if people came across these situations they should collect details such as registration number/licence plate/time/location and this would be followed up by the Licensing Team.  Without this information there is little that can be done.

To consider the introduction of a standalone Hackney Carriage & Private Hire Licensing Policy as recommended by the Department for Transport (DfT) Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards.

Consideration was given to the draft Taxi Licensing Policy for 2022 onwards.  This policy brought together a number of existing policies in one place, and was the final strand needed to ensure the Council met the Department for Transport Statutory Taxi & Private Hire Vehicle Standards.

It was RESOLVED that the Licensing Committee approve the Policy document with immediate effect.

To determine the level of taxi licence fees effective from 1^st January 2023.

Consideration was given to the report which outlined the proposal that taxi licence fees from January 2023 should remain unchanged.

It was RESOLVED that taxi licence fees remain unchanged for 2023.

To update the guidance relating to Street Trading Consents.

Consideration was given to the report which sought to update Street Trading Consents guidance, and to bring the areas around the entrances to Burnley Cemetery in line with other areas managed by the Green Spaces and Amenities Team, by requiring consent from that Team before a consent could be granted.

It was RESOLVED that the revised guidance document incorporating conditions be approved.