To receive additional items that the Chair is of the opinion should be considered as a matter of urgency, in accordance with Section 100B (4) (b) of the Local Government Act 1972.

There were no items of urgent business.

No interests were declared.

The Chair of the Sub-Committee advised all present of the process of the hearing. The Chair then invited the Licensing Officer to introduce the report as outlined within the agenda on pages 5 – 18.

Members and the Licensing Holder were provided the chance to ask questions of the Licensing Officers. There were non from the Licensing Holder.

During questions from members, Councillor Green asked how far back applicants must declare convictions. Any live convictions must be declared.

The Licence Holder was then given the opportunity to present his case, during which Members heard the circumstances behind the new application for a Private Hire Driver Licence and that he was not aware he had to declare the points on the licence as the incidents occurred over 3 years ago.

Members and the Licensing Officers were provided with the chance to ask questions of the Licence Holder and his representatives.

During questions from members, the members of the Sub-Committee asked if the points on the licence holders driving licence were spent. The points were over 3 years old. Points are valid for 3 years but are shown for 4 years for court purposes.

The Licencing Officers summarised their case and the policy of the Local Authority.

The License Holder had nothing else to add.

The Sub-Committee retired for deliberation at 19:11pm

The Sub-Committee returned at 19:32pm

The Legal Advisor read out the Sub-Committee decision.

RESOLVED:

1.1 (b) The Sub Committee refuse the Private Hire Driver’s licence application

The meeting of the Sub-Committee is paused to allow for the next item at 19:33pm.

The meeting of the Sub-Committee resumed at 19:37pm.

The Chair of the Sub-Committee advised all present of the process of the hearing. The Chair then invited the Licensing Officer to introduce the report as outlined within the agenda on pages 19 – 92.

Members and the Licensing Holder were provided the chance to ask questions of the Licensing Officers

The Chair queried the date of the MOT. The Licence Holder stated he had a new MOT 2 days ago.

The Licence Holder was then given the opportunity to present his case, determination of a request for a hackney carriage vehicle to be licensed beyond the age limit. The Licence Holder has a hybrid car and uses official parts for repairs. He services car often and there were no advisories on his MOT. He has poor credit due to income and as a result cannot get a new car.

Members and the Licensing Officers were provided with the chance to ask questions of the Licence Holder.

There were no questions from the Licensing Officers.

During questions from members, The Chair asked when will the car be 10 years old. The Car will be 10 years old on the 22^nd April 2024.

Councillor Kent asked the Licence Holder about price of a new car and car finance options. The price would be around £16,000 - £17,000. Finance is hard for the licence holder due to low credit.

The Licencing Officers summarised their case and the policy of the Local Authority. Licensing Officers clarified the car last registered at 195000 miles, 215000 at latest MOT, this is above average.

Photos of vehicle were presented to the committee.

The License Holder and his representatives gave a closing statement. The Licence Holder stated the car is also for personal use and asked the committee for help.

The Sub-Committee retired for deliberation at 19:55pm

The Sub-Committee returned at 20:08pm

The Legal Advisor read out the Sub-Committee decision.

RESOLVED:

1.1 (b) The Sub Committee refuse to grant the renewal application of this vehicle as it does not meet the pre licensing criteria by reason of its age; or

The meeting of the Sub-Committee is paused to allow for the next item at 20:10pm.

The meeting of the Sub-Committee resumed at 20:11pm.

Due to the Licence Holder not being able to attend, the Sub Committee decided to adjourn the item 6 to a future date.