Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 7 February 2024.

The minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 7 February 2024 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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

Councillors and officers were invited to declare any interest that they had 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.

It was reported that 8 urgent decisions had been taken under the Constitution since the last meeting of the Committee.

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  Assistant Director - Legal & Democratic Governance.

The Committee is recommended to consider whether it would wish to adopt alternative arrangements for the discharge of functions related to the granting of licences for taxi and private hire car matters.

At present, the Licensing, Environment & Safety Committee sitting as a ten-member committee is responsible for the determination of such matters, and the Committee is requested to consider whether it would wish to establish a sub-committee to make such decisions in the future.

(1) The Committee is recommended to consider whether it would wish to adopt alternative arrangements for the discharge of its functions to licence (i) hackney carriages and private hire vehicles; (ii) drivers of hackney carriage and private hire vehicles; and (iii) operators of hackney carriage and private hire vehicles under the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 and the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.

(2) Should the Committee be minded to adopt alternative arrangements, request that the Director of Place Management and Assistant Director – Legal & Democratic Governance submit a report to the next meeting of the Committee detailing a proposed scheme of delegation for the Committee’s consideration.

Officer contact: Damian Eaton on 0161 474 3207 or email: damian.eaton@stockport.gov.uk

RESOLVED – It was agreed, in consultation with the Chair, that this item be withdrawn.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details amendments to licensing fees and charges for the forthcoming financial year 2024/2025.

The Committee is requested to note the report and approve the proposed licence fees 2024/25 as set out in the report.

Officer contact: Sarah Tooth telephone: 0161 474 4176 or email: sarah.tooth@stockport.gov.uk

The Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which detailed amendments to licensing fees and charges for the forthcoming financial year 2024/2025.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         Members asked for clarification on how the fees had been calculated, and whether this would stand up to robust challenge.

·         Members noted and welcomed the recruitment of an animal welfare officer.

·         Further information was requested on what constituted a family entertainment centre and what constituted a small casino.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.