Issue - meetings

The Committee gave consideration to a report which advised members of the Government response to the Department for Transport Ministerial Working Party review of Taxi and Private Hire Licensing. 

In September 2017, the Transport Minister had requested a working party be convened to review the current regulatory regime for taxis and private hire as it was considered fit for purpose.  The working party was convened and their report published in September 2018.  The Government had recently published their response to the recommendations in the report. Consultation was launched on the statutory guidance to licensing authorities. The main proposals included:

·       Implementing national minimum standards via legislation

·       Statutory guidance

·       Restricting cross border working

·       National enforcement powers

·       Examination of fixed penalty powers

·       Support for CCTV in licensed vehicles

·       Enhanced DBS checks and update service

·       Convictions guidance

·       Mandatory national database

·       Training for Officers and Councillors

·       Training for licence holders

·       English communication skills

·       Access to wheelchair accessible vehicle

The Department for Transport were working with the Local Government Association (LGA) Consultation Group. 

Members expressed concern on cross border working and asked where those drivers who were licensed elsewhere but driving in Oldham had vehicles tested and licence holder issues.  Members sought and received clarification on what action could be taken against operators who hired drivers who were licenced outside the authority and the operator meeting the fit and proper test. 

Members asked about CCTV and were informed that CCTV was generally kept for 28 days.  Audio could not be mandated.

Members were informed about the quality of DBS checks.  It was also confirmed to members that all licence holders attended safeguarding training.

RESOLVED the Government Response to the Working Party on Taxis and the comments provided be noted.