Issue - meetings

Councillor R Beeching, as the Chairman of the Task and Finish Group, submitted a report summarising the findings following a review of the Taxi Licensing process in East Herts, the detail of which was set out in the report now submitted and the revised Essential Reference Paper “B”.  Councillor R Beeching thanked the Scrutiny Officer and Licensing Manager for their help managing and bringing clarity to the process.

In response to a query from Councillor T Herbert concerning the introduction of a “uniform”, the Chairman explained that it was not a uniform as such.  Rather, it was about introducing uniformity of clothing, e.g. a standard polo shirt which, it was felt, could give clients a feeling of confidence and professionalism of their taxi drivers.

The Executive Member for Health, Housing and Community Support stated that drivers needed to be aware of the needs of the elderly and those with physical difficulties.  The Licensing Manager suggested that several drivers had already undertaken a NVQ Level 2, which addressed such issues and that funding was provided by the Government.  He also suggested that holding the NVQ award taken alongside the authorities own ‘penalty point’ scheme, could be used as the basis of a Gold Standard status amongst East Herts drivers.

Members endorsed the approach and the findings of the Task and Finish Group and agreed the recommendations as set out in the report now submitted.

RESOLVED – that (A) the findings of the Task and Finish Group be endorsed;

(B)       Licensing Committee be recommended to agree that a robust “Convictions Policy” be introduced, the detail of which was set out in Essential Reference Paper “B” of the report now submitted;

(C)  Licensing Committee be recommended to agree that some decision making relating to taxi licensing could be devolved to designated officers in line with the terms set out in any agreed “Convictions Policy” along the lines of the assessment grid detailed in Essential Reference Paper “B”; and

(D)      Licensing Committee be recommended to agree that they receive a progress report on the suggested actions set in the report now submitted when actions have been evaluated.