Issue - meetings

To consider a report by the Head of Planning and Public Protection (copy enclosed) presenting a revised Relevance of Conviction Policy for hackney carriage and private hire vehicle drivers and operators for approval.

RESOLVED that the revised Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Conviction Policy as detailed in Appendix B to the report be approved.

The Licensing Officer (NJ) submitted a report by the Head of Planning and Public Protection (previously circulated) presenting a revised Relevance of Conviction Policy for hackney carriage and private hire vehicle drivers and operators for approval.

Local authorities in Wales had been reviewing the guidance in respect of relevant convictions and had decided through the Directors of Public Protection Wales (DDPW) Licensing Technical Panel to recommend an updated guidance relevant to current situations arising in taxi licensing.  The DPPW recommended the policy for adoption by all Welsh local authorities to ensure a consistent and transparent approach across Wales when determining whether or not an applicant or an existing licence holder was a fit and proper person to hold a hackney carriage or private hire driver/operator licence.  Whilst officers and members would have regard to the guidelines each case would be considered on its individual merit and where circumstances demand the officer/committee may depart from the guidelines.  No objections had been received to the proposed policy following consultation.

Members were content to accept the revised policy and it was –

RESOLVED that the revised Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Conviction Policy as detailed in Appendix B to the report be approved.