Decision Maker: Mid Suffolk Cabinet
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: No
It was RESOLVED: -
That the Cabinet decision on 6 December 2021, to adopt the new Hackney Carriage and Private hire Vehicle Licensing Policy, be confirmed and that the matters raised by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, particularly in relation to electric vehicles, be referred to officers and the Licensing and Regulatory Committee for further work before being presented back to Cabinet.
REASON FOR DECISION
Whilst it is recommended that Cabinet agree to the Overview and Scrutiny recommendations, there is a requirement from the Department for Transport for an up to date policy to be in place by the end of January 2022 for both the benefit of the trade and enable the licensing function of the Council to administer its regulatory obligations. This will ensure compliance, particularly with the new Department for Transport Statutory Standards. A review of the environmental parts of the policy will be undertaken, taking into account the recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:
1.1 Not to accept the recommendations from Overview & Scrutiny Committee, and the matter would then need to be referred to Full Council. This is not recommended as the Cabinet values the input of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and is committed to giving its comments and recommendations due consideration.
1.2 To accept the recommendations in full today. This action is not recommended as substantial officer work is required, including how an incentive scheme could work and the associated costs, overlap with other programmes, and coordination with other organisations. It is anticipated that an update report on the project will be ready to be presented to Cabinet in July 2022.
1.3 To accept the recommendations, but to go ahead and implement the new Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Licensing Policy while referring the matter of ‘Electric Vehicles’ to officers and the Licencing and Regulatory Committee for further work. This is the recommended option as it means there will be an up-to-date policy in place for trade as soon as practical which is necessary to enable safe and compliant working. It reduces the amount of time that the Council is out of compliance with the new Department for Transport Statutory Standards. Finally, it enables a future decision to be made by Cabinet on this specific element at a later date when the necessary evidence has been acquired.
Any Declarations of Interests Declared: None
Any Dispensation Granted: None
Publication date: 08/03/2022
Date of decision: 07/03/2022
Decided at meeting: 07/03/2022 - Mid Suffolk Cabinet
Accompanying Documents: