To receive apolgies for absence

1.1         Apologies for absence had been received from Councillors Peter Broomhall, Kevin Pardy and Edward Towers

1.2       Councillor Joyce Barrow substituted for Councillor Broomhall and Councillor Caroline Bagnall substituted for Councillor Pardy

To approve the minutes of the meetings held on 7 December 2022 and 11 May 2023 as a true record

1.1    The minutes of the meeting held on 7 December 2022 and 11 May 2023 had been circulated

1.2    RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting of the Strategic Licencing Committee held on 7 December 2022 and 11 May 2023 be agreed as a true record and signed by the Chairman

To receive any public questions or petitions from the public, notice of which has been given in accordance with Procedure Rule 14.  The deadline for this meeting is 5.00pm on Thursday 8 June 2023

2.1    The Chairman advised that a public question had been received from David Turner. A copy of the questions and the responses provided are attached to the signed minutes and available from the web page for the meeting.

          Agenda for Strategic Licensing Committee on Wednesday, 14th June, 2023, 10.00 am — Shropshire Council

2.2    In response to a question the Transactional Management and Licensing – Team Manager confirmed that Caravan Parks were licenced under the Mobile Homes Act and that the Licensing Team carried out all check which were required under that act, which included a “Fit and Proper Person” test which had been introduced in 2021.  She confirmed that an applicant’s financial status was not considered as part of this test.

Members are reminded that they must declare their disclosable pecuniary interests and other registrable or non-registrable interests in any matter being considered at the meeting as set out in Appendix B of the Members’ Code of Conduct and consider if they should leave the room prior to the item being considered. Further advice can be sought from the Monitoring Officer in advance of the meeting.

4.1       There were no interests declared

Report of the Transactional and Licensing Team Manager is attached.

Contact: Mandy Beever (01743 251702)

5.1       Members received the report of the Transactional Management and Licensing – Team Manager which set out the proposed statement of licensing policy for 2024 to 2029 upon which the Council proposes to consult.

5.2       The Transactional Management and Licensing – Team Manager advised the meeting that the Licensing Act 2003 (‘the Act’) required that the Council prepare and publish a statement of licensing policy with respect to its licensing functions at least every five years.  She stated that there had only minor amendment to the statement where either the law or the process followed had changed.  She added that once the consultation had been completed and responses considered a further report would be brought pack to the committee prior to a report being taken to Council for approval of the Statement.

5.3       In response to a question the Transactional Management and Licensing – Team Manager advised the meeting that the consultation would be placed on the Council website and that all relevant people would be advised that the consultation was taking place.

5.4       RESOLVED:

            That the revised Licensing Act 2003 Proposed Statement of Licensing Policy 2024 to 2029 as agreed by the Committee and set out in Appendix 1 be approved for consultation

Report of the Transactional and Licensing Team Manager is attached.

Contact: Mandy Beever (01743 251702)

6.1       Members received the report of the Transactional Management and Licensing – Team Manager which gave details of the licences issued and the variations that have been made between 1 November 2022 and the 19 May 2023 and a summary of applications considered by the Committee.

6.2       The Transactional and Licensing Team Manager reminded Members that the report was brought to each meeting of the committee and that it updated them on the number and types of licences that had been issued since the last meeting.

6.2       In response to a question the Transactional and Licensing Team Manager confirmed that over the past 6 months there had been an increase in the number of applications for Taxi driver and vehicle licences.

6.3       A Member expressed concern that contracts for school transport were given to taxi drivers who were not licenced by Shropshire Council, and that they felt that it should be a requirement only to use drivers licenced in Shropshire.  The Transactional and Licensing Team Manager advised that contracts were awarded by the Passenger Transport Team and that this was a matter for them.

6.4       RESOLVED:

            That members note the position as set out in the report.

To note that the next meeting of the Strategic Licensing Committee will be held on 4 October 2023 at 10.00am

7.1       Members were advised that the next meeting of the Strategic Licensing Committee would be held on 4 October 2023 at 10.00am