Agenda item
COVID-19 LICENSING TEAM SERVICE PLAN - NEXT PHASE
To consider a report of the Head of Regulatory Services.
Minutes:
The Head of Regulatory Services submitted a report requesting Members to consider the proposed operational/policy changes needed to continue the delivery of the taxi licensing aspects of the Licensing Service during the coronavirus pandemic from 1st July 2020.
The Sub-Committee were informed that the first phase emergency plan covering the months of April, May and June had been approved under emergency powers by the Corporate Director, Place in consultation with the Chair, Vice-Chair and Opposition Spokesperson of the Committee and the Executive Portfolio Holder.
The Sub-Committee were asked to approve the proposed operational/policy changes for the second phase.
RESOLVED: That the following proposals be approved:-
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Proposal |
Details |
Change Type |
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1 |
It is proposed that all Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver Licences expiring after the 1st July 2020 be processed as renewals via an on-line renewal form on the Council’s website. Drivers will be required to pay the renewal application fee and then upload electronic copies of all required documents; including a medical signed by the driver’s own doctor (where required) and confirmation that the driver has completed an on-line DBS Check Form (where required) |
Policy |
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2 |
A medical certificate signed by the driver’s own doctor will be required in the first instance. However, it is proposed that where a driver is unable to provide a medical certificate because of the current Covid 19 restrictions; the driver may complete the on-line medical self –certification form which will be valid until the 31st December 2020. After this date the driver will be required to provide a satisfactory medical certificate signed by his own doctor. |
Policy |
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3 |
It is proposed that drivers who are due a DBS check between the 1st July 2020 and the 31st December 2020 be required to complete an on-line DBS Check form prior to renewal of their hackney carriage/private hire driver’s licence. In advance of the 31st December date this will be reviewed to determine the position from the 1st January 2021. |
Operational |
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4 |
It is proposed to continue to suspend all stages of the new driver application process until the 30th September 2020. In advance of that date this will be reviewed to determine the position from the 1st October 2020.
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Operational |
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5 |
It is proposed that all Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Licences expiring after the 1st July 2020 be processed as renewals via an on-line renewal form on the Council’s website. Owners will be required to pay the renewal application fee and then upload electronic copies of all required documents. All applications for new vehicle licences; transfers and replacement vehicles will be processed in a similar way via an on-line form from the 1st July 2020. |
Policy |
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6 |
It is proposed that on each day of the week Monday to Thursday a Licensing Officer will attend the Town Hall to print off driver badges and vehicle identification plates required in respect of renewed, new or replacement driver and vehicle licenses and these will be sent to applicants by a secure postal delivery service. This process to be reviewed after three months. |
Operational |
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7 |
It is proposed that where the MOT of a licensed vehicle is due to expire in July, August, September 2020 there is no requirement to produce an MOT to the Licensing Team and that this will apply until at least 30th September 2020. This position will be reviewed in advance of 30th September 2020 to determine future arrangements in respect of MOTs. |
Policy |
Supporting documents:
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