Agenda, decisions and minutes

At this point in the meeting, Members are asked to declare:

·        any personal interests not included on the Register of Interests

·        any prejudicial interests or

·        any disclosable pecuniary interests

which they may have in respect of business on this agenda.

The Executive Member was asked to declare, at this point in the meeting, any personal interests not included on the Register of Interests or any prejudicial or discloseable pecuniary interest that she might have in respect of the business on the agenda.  None were declared.

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 31 October 2019.

Resolved: That the minutes of the previous meeting of the

committee held on 31 October 2020be approved and signed as a correct record.

At this point in the meeting, members of the public who have registered to speak can do so. The deadline for registering is 5.00pm on Wednesday 15 January.

Members of the public can speak on agenda items or matters within the Executive Member’s remit.

To register to speak please contact the Democracy Officer for the meeting, on the details at the foot of the agenda.

Filming, Recording or Webcasting Meetings

Please note that, subject to available resources, this meeting will be filmed and webcast, or recorded, including any registered public speakers who have given their permission.  The broadcast can be viewed at http://www.york.gov.uk/webcasts or, if recorded, this will be uploaded onto the Council’s website following the meeting.

Residents are welcome to photograph, film or record Councillors and Officers at all meetings open to the press and public. This includes the use of social media reporting, i.e. tweeting.  Anyone wishing to film, record or take photos at any public meeting should contact the Democracy Officer (contact details are at the foot of this agenda) in advance of the meeting.

The Council’s protocol on Webcasting, Filming & Recording of Meetings ensures that these practices are carried out in a manner both respectful to the conduct of the meeting and all those present.  It can be viewed at

https://www.york.gov.uk/downloads/file/11406/protocol_for_webcasting_filming_and_recording_of_council_meetings_20160809

It was reported that there had been no registrations to speak under the Council’s Public Participation Scheme.

In accordance with the requirements of the Council’s Constitution, this report seeks Executive Member approval to amend the Taxi Licensing Policy (the Policy) with regards to Executive Vehicles.  It follows a request from a vehicle licence proprietor and the operator of Executive Vehicles, and recommendations from the Licensing and Regulatory Committee.  

Resolved:

The Executive Member approved Option 1, the amendments to Appendix 2 of the Taxi Licensing Policy in relation to Private Hire Vehicle Licence Plate & Signage Exemption Policy, as detailed at Annex 3.    

Reason: 

To extend the Council’s already established ‘Private Hire Vehicle Licence Plate & Signage Exemption Policy’ with regards to executive vehicles and bring the Policy in line with the other authorities in the West Yorkshire transport authority region. 

The Executive Member received a report requesting approval to amend the Taxi Licensing Policy (the Policy) with regards to Executive Vehicles.  This report had arisen further to a request from a vehicle licence proprietor and the operator of Executive Vehicles and was in relation to allowing a darker tint to rear windows.  Another amendment in relation to the Taxi Licensing Policy regarding the Private Hire Vehicle Licence Plate & Signage Exemption Policy (set out at point 12(n) within Annex 3) had arisen from recommendations from the Licensing and Regulatory Committee and was an amendment to wording as it was considered that the current wording prevented drivers from taking a tip. 

Current wording:

‘The driver will not take money at the end of the hire.’

Recommended wording:

‘The driver will not take the fare at the end of the hire.’ 

The Licensing Manager was in attendance to present the report and to respond to questions.

The options available were:

(i)            Option 1 - take into consideration the request made by the operator of executive vehicles, as well as the policies in place for the West Yorkshire Authorities and approve the amendments to Appendix 2 of the Taxi Licensing Policy in relation to Private Hire Vehicle Licence Plate & Signage Exemption Policy, as detailed at Annex 3. 

(ii)          Option 2 – take into consideration the request made by the operator of executive vehicles, as well as the policies in place for the West Yorkshire Authorities and make further amendments to Appendix 2 of the Taxi Licensing Policy in relation to executive vehicles.

(iii)         Option 3 – refuse the request  

In response to questions from the Executive Member, the Licensing Manager confirmed that these amendments relate to no more than ten vehicles in York, used solely for the purpose of supporting Executive business.

Resolved:

The Executive Member approved Option 1, the amendments to Appendix 2 of the Taxi Licensing Policy in relation to Private Hire Vehicle Licence Plate & Signage Exemption Policy, as detailed at Annex 3.    

Reason: 

To extend the Council’s already established ‘Private Hire Vehicle Licence Plate & Signage Exemption Policy’ with regards to executive vehicles and bring the Policy in line with the other authorities in the West Yorkshire transport authority region.