Agenda and draft minutes

It was proposed by Councillor Simon Carswell and seconded by Councillor Simon Coles that Councillor Tony Lock be elected as Chair for this meeting of the Regulatory Sub-Committee.

There were no apologies for absence.

To receive and note any declarations of interests in respect of any matters included on the agenda for consideration at this meeting.

(The other registrable interests of Councillors of Somerset Council, arising from membership of City, Town or Parish Councils and other Local Authorities will automatically be recorded in the minutes: City, Town & Parish Twin Hatters - Somerset Councillors 2023 )

There were no declarations of interest raised by members.

To authorise the Chair of the meeting to agree the accuracy and sign the minutes as a correct record following circulation to the members of the Sub-Committee.

It was proposed and seconded, and subsequently agreed, to authorise the Chair of this meeting to agree the accuracy and sign the minutes as a correct record following circulation to the members of the Sub-Committee.

The Regulatory Sub-Committee noted the procedure to be followed when considering Licensing of Hackney Carriage Private Hire Drivers, Vehicles, Operators and related enforcement. The Chair introduced the members of the Sub-Committee.

The Chairman confirmed that the Officer’s report relating to the case, the procedure to be adopted during the hearing and the documents which the authority is required to provide under the Regulations had been received by all Parties in advance of the meeting.

To consider a Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Driver’s licence.

It was proposed and seconded to exclude the press and public from the meeting.

RESOLVED: That in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended), the press and public be excluded from the meeting in view of the likely disclosure of exempt information as described in Schedule 12A to the Act, i.e. information relating to an individual.

The Sub-Committee followed the procedure as set out in agenda item 5.

The Licence Holder was present at the hearing.  There were no witnesses in attendance.

The Licensing Specialist presented the report outlining the details of the case and the reason for bringing the case before the Regulatory Sub-Committee.

There were no questions from the Licence Holder or members to the Licensing Specialist.

The Licence Holder presented his case to the Sub-Committee.

All parties were given the opportunity to question the Licence Holder.

All parties withdrew with the exception of the Legal Specialist and the Democratic Services Officer leaving the Sub-Committee to consider its decision in private.

Upon reconvening, the Chair announced the decision of the Sub-Committee.  This was given verbally to the Licence Holder.  A written Decision Notice would be sent to the Licence Holder within 5 working days of the hearing.

RESOLVED:  That the Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s Licence be revoked.

REASON:      The Sub-Committee were not satisfied that the driver was a fit and proper person to hold a licence.