Agenda and minutes

Councillor Groom tended his apologies.

To receive declarations of Members disclosable pecuniary interests and conflicts of interest.

There were no declarations of interest.

To seek approval to consult on the draft Licensing Policy for Hackney and Private Hire Taxis.

Members were advised that the existing policy relating to the suitability of applicants and licensees in the hackney and private hire trades was last updated in September 2010.

In August 2017 the Local Government Association acknowledged that the existing system was out of date and had begun lobbying the Government to modernise the system to better protect passengers. In April 2018 the Institute of Licensing issued guidance on determining the suitability of applicants in the hackney and private hire trades, emphasising the importance of the licensing authority to ensure the safety of the public is paramount.

The Department for Transport undertook a consultation in February 2019 on statutory guidance for licensing authorities in respect of taxi and private hire licensing. The new statutory guidance reflects changes in the industry and the lessons learned since the 2010 policy.

The Council’s Regulatory Services Manager sought Members approval to consult with key stake holders including; the trade, other local authorities, police, business sector, and special interest groups, on the draft Solihull Licensing Policy for Hackney and Private Hire Taxis.

RESOLVED

Members:-

(i)  Considered the draft policy to determine the suitability of applicants and licensees in the hackney and private hire trades in order to protect users;

(ii)  agreed for a consultation exercise to be conducted with key stakeholders on the draft policy; and

(iii)  agreed to receive a further report detailing feedback from the consultation.