Agenda item

The Service Manager (Licensing and Enforcement) introduced the report and apologised for the typing error at paragraph 2.2. He clarified that the data was drawn from quarters 1, 2 and 3 of the year covering 1 April 2024 – 31 December 2024.

The Service Manager (Licensing and Enforcement) said that there were 3 vacant posts within the Licensing Department from quarter 1 until quarter 3. He said that due to these vacancies work during this period had been concentrated on statutory duties, but as per paragraph 3.18 all performance indicators had been met.

The Service Manager (Licensing and Enforcement) said that as requested by Members, details of complaints, split into 4 categories, were included within the report. He referred to Appendix A which gave performance data for the period and drew Members attention to the table as seen on page 49 of the report, adding that the total number of premises licences had increased from last year, and that the number of Hackney Carriages had dropped to 180 (which was 30 below the limit of 210).

The Service Manager (Licensing and Enforcement) said that the drop in Hackney Carriage licences was due to people leaving the trade, and that the Licensing Department were about to commence a round of licensing applications to see if there was interest in applicants licensing new vehicles. He said that vehicles would be scored on merit, with higher scores (and therefore a precedence for plates) awarded to vehicles which where wheelchair accessible, fully electric, and newer and greener.  

The Chair thanked the Service Manager (Licensing and Enforcement) for the report. 

Councillor Deffley asked if the vehicles which scored more highly were more expensive, and if this could therefore exclude some applicants.

The Service Manager (Licensing and Enforcement) said that the scheme was promoted and intended to be competitive, with the best vehicles making up the fleet. 

Councillor Townsend said that the application process found the best vehicles and did not look at driver suitability. He asked for further information about driver suitability.

The Service Manager (Licensing and Enforcement) said that drivers were licenced under a separate process where their suitability was checked. He said that a licenced vehicle owner did not have to be a driver.

Councillor Smith said that the complaint detail within the report was both interesting and useful.

The Chair agreed with Councillor Smith, adding that it was also interesting to see which other agencies the Licensing Department dealt with. She referred to paragraph 3.7 of the report and said that the department’s enforcement work was much appreciated as this was of real concern for residents. She asked if work was done towards having good relationships with licence holders. 

The Service Manager (Licensing and Enforcement) said that enforcement was always the last option, with the emphasis being on compliance. 

Councillor Townsend asked if as the department was now fully staffed, there was any schedule for dealing with the backlog of pavement licenses.

The Service Manager (Licensing and Enforcement) said that the team had been tasked with contacting all premises which had pavement furniture, with priority to be given with those who were affecting accessibility. He said that the scheme and fees for pavement licence non-compliance had now been set up, with work to start with regards to this from April 2025.  

It was moved by Councillor Wyllie and seconded by Councillor Hill that the recommendations, as detailed, be approved. After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – that a) the Licensing activity from the first, second and third quarters of the 2024-25 financial year be reviewed and commented on.