Agenda and minutes

To elect a Member to act as Chair of the meeting

Decision

That Councillor Tim Grogan be elected as Chair for the duration of the meeting.

(Councillor Grogan in the Chair)

There were no apologies for absence.

Councillors are invited to declare at this point any disclosable pecuniary interests they have in items appearing on this agenda, including the nature of those interests.

There were no declarations of interest.

To confirm the procedure to be followed at the meeting.

Decision

The Sub Committee agreed the procedure for the meeting as outlined by the Chair.

To receive a report from the Corporate Director of Environment.

The Corporate Director – Environment asked the Sub-Committee to consider whether to grant an application for a hackney carriage vehicle that did not comply with the standard criteria as stated in North Yorkshire Council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Policy.

The sub-committee considered the following:

• The meeting papers, including a report from the Licensing Enforcement Officer,
• Oral evidence from the Licensing Enforcement Officer,
• A physical inspection of vehicle 056F by the sub-committee,
• Oral evidence from applicant and two written references

In reaching their decision the Sub-Committee gave the following factors significant weight:

• The age of the vehicle
• The detail and chronology of the vehicle’s mechanical issues
• The Applicant’s evidence that they had used the same garage / mechanic for the vehicle, had been dissatisfied with that garage / mechanic on a number of occasions and continued to instruct them for this vehicle
• The absence of any additional vehicle maintenance procedures / processes
• The Applicant’s focus on the executive appearance of the vehicle
• The Licensing Authority’s duty to ensure the safety of vehicle users and the general public by the operation of hackney carriage services

The Sub-Committee gave the following factors some weight:

• The Applicant’s evidence that he had been dissatisfied with the garage / mechanics he had instructed

• The cleanliness and presentation of the vehicle
• The vehicle’s mileage
• The written references provided to the sub-committee
• No complaints / convictions recorded against the applicant

Decision

REFUSE the application to licence Hackney Carriage Vehicle number 056F.

The sub-committee accepted that exceptions to the policy may be made, but they were not persuaded by the Applicant that an exception to the Policy should be made for vehicle 056F.

To receive a report from the Corporate Director of Environment.

The Corporate Director – Environment asked the Sub-Committee to consider whether to grant an application for a hackney carriage vehicle that did not comply with the standard criteria as stated in North Yorkshire Council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Policy.

The sub-committee considered the following:

• The meeting papers, including a report from the Senior Licensing Enforcement Officer
• Oral evidence from the Senior Licensing Enforcement Officer
• A physical inspection of vehicle 012E by the sub-committee and
• Oral evidence from the applicant

It was noted that the vehicle had passed the MOT test on 24 June 2024 with no failure or advisory notices.  The vehicle underwent the Council’s vehicle inspection on 18 February 2025 with no defects identified.

The Sub-Committee was satisfied that the vehicle was fit for its purpose, safe and comfortable for its users and any members of the public.

Decision

GRANT the application to licence Hackney Carriage Vehicle number 012E for a period of twelve months with one additional condition that the vehicle be subject to a mechanical inspection three times per year.

To consider passing a resolution under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 excluding the press and public from the meeting during consideration of item 4 on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act.

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.

To receive a report from the Corporate Director of Environment.

The Sub-Committee considered the report of the Corporate Director – Environment for the renewal 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 Senior Licensing Officer.

In reaching their decision the Sub-Committee made clear their expectation that the applicant reads the conditions on the licence and that a regular refresher of those conditions be taken.

Decision

That a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver’s Licence be GRANTED for a period of three years with no additional conditions.