Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to a report of the Trading Standards and Licensing Manager which requested that Members approve a revised policy on the fitness and suitability of applicants and licence holders in relation to private hire and taxis.

Members noted that licence holders were in a unique position of trust and were often in one to one contact with children, young persons and vulnerable adults. They often had custody of property belonging to others or has knowledge which might facilitate crime. The Council was committed to ensuring insofar as is possible that:

·         All persons that hold a licence were ‘fit and proper persons’ or in simpler terms they were both ‘safe and suitable’

·         The public were not exposed to persons with a history of dishonesty, indecency or violence or any other offence or inappropriate behaviour which may question the person’s ‘fit and proper’ status

·         The safety of children, young persons and vulnerable adults was protected.

Upon reviewing the previous policy, Officers had referred to a wide range of publications including the following:

·         Institute of Licensing Guidance on determining the suitability of applicants and license holders (produced in partnership with the LGA, NALEO and LLG) (2018)

·         Department for Transport Statutory Guidance on Safeguarding (2020)

·         Department for Transport Best Practice Guidance (2010)

·         Review into historic safeguarding practices in the Borough of Oldham (2022)

·         Reports into the Independent Enquiry into Child Sexual Exploitation in Rotherham (2014 and 2015)

The final policy presented sought to address a modern-day framework having considered best practice, legislation and reviews.  It set out the obligations upon which decision makers in Oldham should have regard when making important decisions and having regard to public safety.

A wide range of stakeholders both inside and outside of the Council were consulted as part of the preparation of this final policy.  Those included were:

·         Private Hire and Taxi trade representatives

·         Greater Manchester Police

·         Adults Safeguarding Partnership

·         Children’s Safeguarding Partnership

·         Community Safety

RESOLVED that:

1.    The report be noted.

2.    The policy be approved.