Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 27 April 2016.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 27 April 2016 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To consider whether it is in the public interest to exclude the public during the consideration of agenda items 7-8 that are marked "not for publication" by virtue of the paragraph 1 of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended), as they contain ‘information relating to an individual’

RESOLVED – That the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of Items 7 and 8 to prevent the disclosure of information which was not for publication relating to an individual as defined in Category 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended), the disclosure of which would not be in the public interest, would not be fair to the applicant and would breach their Data Protection principles.

Councillors and officers to declare any interests which they have in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

No declarations of interest were made.

To report any urgent action taken under the Constitution since the last meeting of the Committee.

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration reported that the Corporate Director, in consultation with the Chair, had taken urgent action to suspend 4 hire car driver’s licences.

RESOLVED – To note the urgent decisions.

Members of the public are invited to put questions to the Chair and members of the Committee on any matters within the powers and duties of the Committee, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice. (Questions must be submitted prior to the commencement of the meeting on the cards provided.  These are available at the meeting).

No public questions were submitted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management.

The report provides Members with a revised and updated version of the current Private Hire Operators Conditions of Licence, for approval prior to consultation with interested parties.

The Committee is requested to give approval for the amended conditions and for the consultation with interested parties.

Officer contact: Sarah Tooth on 474 4176 or email: sarah.tooth@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which provided Members with a revised and updated version of the current Private Hire Operators Conditions of Licence, for approval prior ro consultation with interested parties.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         Members felt that record keeping was crucial and should be mandatory, particularly as this could affect drivers’ insurance.

·         Questions were raised as to what penalties could be imposed if a driver does not comply with the conditions.  Some Members felt that the sanctions were not clear enough.

·         Members questioned whether the conditions would apply to those taxis that were booked online.

·         Concerns were raised that it requires great honesty on behalf of the operators to potentially raise concerns about their own company.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and approval be given for the amended conditions and consultation with interested parties.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration.

The report advises members of a licensed hire car driver’s recent conviction.

The Committee is requested to consider whether this licensed hire car driver is a fit and proper person to continue to hold a licence.

Officer contact: Ian O’Donnell on 474 4175 or email: ian.odonnell@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the Committee to consider the suitability of the driver to continue to be licensed as a hire car driver following a recent conviction.

The Committee interviewed the driver in relation to these matters.

RESOLVED – That in the light of the driver’s conviction for the offences of plying for hire and having invalid insurance, the driver’s licence be suspended for a one week period.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration.

The report advises members of a licensed hire car driver’s recent conviction.

The Committee is requested to consider whether this licensed hire car driver is a fit and proper person to continue to hold a licence.

Officer contact: Peter Cooke on 474 4851 or email: peter.cooke@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the Committee to consider whether they wished to take any action in light of the licensed hire car driver’s recent conviction.

The Committee interviewed the driver in relation to these matters.

RESOLVED – That no further action be taken.