Agenda item

Recommendations – That the Executive:

i.    Pass a resolution on 18 October 2022 that the provisions of Part II of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 (other than section 45) shall be adopted within the administrative area of North Yorkshire Council, with effect from the 1 April 2023, with the caveat of the decision only taking effect if the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policyhas been adopted for the 1 April 2023; 

 ii.   Endorse the proposed Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policyas shown in Appendix 1 of the report; 

 iii.   Agree the commencement of a public consultation on the new North Yorkshire Council Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy.   

Considered: A report of the Chair of the Licensing Member Working Group presenting a draft Hackney carriage and private hire licensing policy for the Executive’s consideration, which had been drawn up to demonstrate the Council’s commitment to securing public safety, provide clarity for applicants and licence holders, assist decision making, facilitate enforcement activities and help safeguard against legal challenge.

County Councillor Derek Bastiman, Chair of the Licensing Member Working Group, introduced the report and confirmed the new draft policy promoted the highest possible standards, whilst also providing a consistent approach for both the licensed trade and the public.

He went on to encourage participation in the planned consultation and suggested the options for how to contribute to the consultation should be widened to maximise participation.  Finally to provided an overview of the timetable for the future decision.

Sharon Cousins, Licensing Manager at Selby District Council clarified that a single zone would enable drivers of wheelchair accessible vehicles to work anywhere across the county, increasing the availability of that vehicle type for wheelchair users.

Having noted the report, the Executive

Resolved – That:

i.     The provisions of Part II of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 (other than section 45) be adopted within the administrative area of North Yorkshire Council, with effect from the 1 April 2023, with the caveat of the decision only taking effect if the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policyhas been adopted for the 1 April 2023; 

 ii.    The proposed Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policyas shown in Appendix 1 of the report be endorsed; 

 iii.   A 12-week public consultation on the new North Yorkshire Council Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy be commenced.