Issue - meetings

To consider a report by the Head of Planning and Public Protection (copy enclosed) informing members of arrangements made to enable the Licensing Authority to carry out its functions as a Responsible Authority and seeking approval to delegate the function of the Responsible Authority on behalf of Licensing to the Senior Community Enforcement Officer.

RESOLVED that the Senior Community Enforcement Officer be delegated the function of Responsible Authority on behalf of Licensing.

The Licensing Officer (NJ) submitted a report by the Head of Planning and Public Protection (previously circulated) informing members of arrangements made to enable the Local Authority to carry out its functions as a Responsible Authority.

Members were advised of the recent change in legislation which empowered licensing authorities to fulfil the same functions as other Responsible Authorities under the Licensing Act 2003.  The importance of achieving a separation of responsibilities within the local authority to ensure procedural fairness and eliminate conflicts of interest was highlighted and details of the existing roles and responsibilities were provided.  To ensure an appropriate separate of responsibilities in light of the new powers it was recommended that the Senior Community Enforcement Officer be allocated the role as the Responsible Authority for Licensing.

RESOLVED that the Senior Community Enforcement Officer be delegated the function of Responsible Authority on behalf of Licensing.