Agenda and minutes

A Member must declare any disclosable pecuniary interest where it relates to any matter being considered at the meeting. A declaration of a disclosable pecuniary interest should indicate the interest and the agenda item to which it relates. A Member is not permitted to participate in this agenda item by law and should immediately leave the meeting before the start of any debate.

If the Member leaves the Chamber in respect of a declaration, he or she should ensure that the Chairperson is aware of this before he or she leaves to enable their exit from the meeting to be recorded in the minutes in accordance with Standing Order 37.

None

14 March 2022, to approve as a correct record (attached)

Resolved: that the minutes of the last meeting be approved as a correct record.

Report of the Director of Public Health and Regulatory Services (attached)

The Director of Public Health and Regulatory Services’ representative presented the report on the administration and enforcement of all licensing regimes undertaken by the council. The report provided a summary of some of the main activities carried out by the Licencing Team so far within the financial year 2022/2023 and highlighted the continued pressures and difficulties experienced through the recovery phase since the Coronavirus pandemic. 

Licensing Act 2003

Members asked questions and received clarification on issues in relation to the reduction in trade waste collections; reduction in employment of glass collectors; door staff and cleaners, costs incurred by premises holders and the nature of breaches in relation to premises rated ‘amber/red’ in the traffic light system.

Taxi and Private Hire

It was noted that since the pandemic there had been a significant drop in the number of licenced taxi drivers nationally with North Somerset encountering a drop of 10.5% or 64 drivers.

Members asked questions and received clarification on the issues in relation to app-based taxi firms; the process of applying for a hackney carriage or private hire driving licence with North Somerset; actions being taken to increase the number of taxi drivers with an open day taking place which had attracted around 130 applications and the gender breakdown of applications received.

Members were made aware that the next policy review was due in 2023 and there was an increasing awareness to address the climatic impact of vehicles, their emissions and fuel consumption.

General Services Summary

It was noted that whilst officers had seen a reduction in Covid related work, the demand for interventions and support remained high.  The commitment from the team to meet statutory deadlines and provide technical advice and guidance through working long and often unsocial hours was commended.

Members discussed ways to increase the funding available for the service.

In the concluding discussions, it was:-     

Resolved: that the outcomes and challenges to the administration of Licensing regimes undertaken by the North Somerset Council Licensing Team so far this financial year be noted.