To receive and if so determined, to approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 19^th February 2015.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Public Protection Sub-Committee meeting held on 19^th February 2015 be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To consider a report of the Head of Public Protection.

The Head of Public Protection submitted a report informing Members of objections to the proposed increase in Hackney Carriage and Private Hire licence fees.

Representations were made by several members of the taxi trade and G. Hamilton and T. Nicholson from Kier answered questions from the trade and Sub-Committee Members.

Queries were raised regarding information received when the last two year’s accounts were asked for.  The Chairman agreed to ascertain with the Finance department, whether the figures could be broken down further and to explore the possibility of a mapping process.

RESOLVED –

(1)          That the licence fees be approved as published in the local press with the exception of the following modifications:-

Vehicle Tests

None Attendance/Late Penalty     £26.50

Meter Test                                          £12.50

Window Tint Test                             £12.50

(2)          That the licence fees become effective from 1^st May 2015.

To consider a report of the Head of Public Protection.

The Head of Public Protection submitted a report informing Members of a review of the current testing procedures undertaken by Kier at the Council’s Higher Road Depot and requesting Members to approve or modify the following:-

Compliance Test Standards, Sanctions for failure to maintain vehicle, Inspection Items and Retest Policy and Age test to follow compliance test.

Councillor Freeman requested that Appendix C be kept under review.

            RESOLVED –

(1)          That the proposals outlined in the report be approved.

(2)          That the procedures become effective from 1^st May 2015.