Issue - meetings

The Committee gave consideration to a report of the Trading Standards and Licensing Manager which asked Members to approve an amendment to the Council’s taxi licensing policy in light of policy changes and best practice.

Members were requested to approve the following amendments/additions to the policy, to cover the latest decisions (particularly the GM minimum licensing standards) and best practice/guidance.

·         Para. 2.5.8 relating to licensing a vehicle

·         Para. 3.2.4 in relation to the DBS update service

·         Para 3.2.8 in relation to new HMRC checks from April 2022.

·         Para 3.3.6 relating to how many times an applicant could undertake a written test before considering refusal

·         Para 3.7.6 to consider adjusting the frequency of medicals for younger drivers following first medical examination

Members asked for and received clarification of the following:-

·         3.2.8 only on renewal not initial application – there was a six month period to register when the driver became self-employed. The Council had to notify a new driver of the requirement to register.

·         3.7.6 could medical colleagues from within the Council’s partnerships be used to carry out medicals – the CCG had advocated using GP’s and there was currently no in-house provision. Options could be explored.

·         3.7.6 when did medicals start – they were done on application, every 5 years from the age of 45 and every year from the age of 65. The request was to test every 6 years as this tied in with the licence being for 3 years. There would be a medical every other licence period.

·         3.3.6 minimum gap between tests – tests were available every week and applicants may be advised to take more time and do more work before resitting.

·         Test every year after 65 – industry standard age.

·         Action re unsatisfactory medicals – the new company had identified a number of medical conditions that had not previously been disclosed. Some licences had been revoked.

·         Obligation on driver to inform Authority – the conditions require them to notify at the time of a change in their medical condition. The renewal application also asks the question.

·         Invalidate insurance – if they had not notified their insurer that they had been deemed unfit to drive.

RESOLVED that:

1.    The report be noted

2.    The policy amendment as outlined in the report be approved.