North Yorkshire Council
General Licensing and Registration Sub-Committee
Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday, 12 February 2025 commencing at 10.00 am.
Councillors Joy Andrews, Tim Grogan and Subash Sharma.
Officers present: Jane Graham, Fiona Casson and John Wardell.
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Copies of all documents considered are in the Minute Book
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1 |
Election of Chair
Decision
That Councillor Tim Grogan be elected as Chair for the duration of the meeting.
(Councillor Grogan in the Chair)
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2 |
Apologies for absence
There were no apologies for absence.
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3 |
Disclosures of interest
Councillor Joy Andrews declared a personal non prejudicial interest in item 6 as she knew the applicant.
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4 |
Procedure for meeting
Decision
The Sub Committee agreed the procedure for the meeting as outlined by the Chair.
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5 |
Application for renewal of hackney carriage vehicle licence
The Corporate Director – Environment asked the Sub-Committee to consider whether to grant an application for a hackney carriage vehicle licence that did not comply with the standard criteria, as stated in North Yorkshire Council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Policy.
The Sub-Committee had sight of:
· The Licensing Officer’s report including appendices/attachments. · The North Yorkshire Council Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing policy · It also considered oral evidence from the applicant and had the benefit of a physical inspection of the vehicle.
It was noted that the vehicle had passed the MOT test on 8 January 2025 with no failure or advisory notices. The vehicle had also passed the Council’s vehicle inspection on 22 January 2025 with no defects identified.
The Sub-Committee took time to inspect the vehicle inside and out. The Sub-Committee noted that the vehicle, as presented, was generally in good order and was thoroughly clean and tidy throughout. However, two matters of concern were noted by the Sub-Committee during the inspection – the rear bumper had an area of damage and corrosion and the steering wheel showed signs of wear and tear.
In the circumstances it was decided that it was appropriate to allow an exception to depart from the 10 year rule of the policy.
Decision
That the licence be granted for a further 12 months with the condition that the vehicle be subject to mechanical inspection three times per year and that the damage to the rear bumper and steering wheel are both repaired within 10 working days from 12 February 2025 and proof of the completed repairs must be sent to the Senior Licensing Enforcement Officer (East).
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6 |
Application for renewal of private hire vehicle licence
The Corporate Director – Environment asked the Sub-Committee to consider whether to grant an application for a private hire vehicle licence that did not comply with the standard criteria, as stated in North Yorkshire Council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Policy.
The Sub-Committee had sight of:
· The Licensing Officer’s report including appendices/attachments. · The North Yorkshire Council Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing policy · It also considered oral evidence from the applicant and had the benefit of a physical inspection of the vehicle.
It was noted that the vehicle had passed the MOT test on 26 January 2024 with no failures, however, five advisories had been identified. The vehicle underwent the Council’s vehicle inspection on 13 January 2025 where a defect had been found with the vehicle’s front suspension. The vehicle was retested on 14 January 2025 following repair work and had passed the Council’s inspection.
In the circumstances it was decided that it was appropriate to allow an exception to depart from the 10-year rule of the policy.
Decision
That the licence be granted for a 12 month period with the condition that the vehicle be subject to mechanical inspection three times per year.
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7 |
Exclusion of the press and public
Decision
That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public were excluded from the meeting during consideration of the item of business at minute no 8 on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act as the Panel was satisfied that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information.
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8 |
Review of a hackney carriage and private hire driver's licence
The Sub-Committee considered the report of the Corporate Director – Environment for the review of a hackney carriage and private hire driver licence and a written submission from the applicant.
The Sub-Committee heard from the applicant and the Licensing Officer.
Decision
That no action be taken with regard to the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver Licence held by the applicant.
However, the Sub-Committee;
· required the applicant to undertake a Practical Driver Assessment as soon as possible but in any event within 3 months from 12 February 2025 and to provide proof of successful completion to the Senior Licensing Enforcement Officer (East).
· the applicant to receive a written warning as to their driver conduct and this warning was to remain on their record with the Licensing Authority for a period of twelve months from the date of the warning letter.
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The meeting concluded at 11.50 am.