To receive any public questions, statement or petitions from the public, notice of which has been given in accordance with Procedure Rule 14.

85.1    At the commencement of this item the Leader informed the public present at the meeting that a number of amendments were likely to be proposed to the officer recommendations in the report on the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy.  Copies of the proposed amendments were circulated at this point in the meeting to assist those members of the public present for the consideration of this item and also those who had submitted public questions.

            The Portfolio Holder for Business Growth, ip&e, Culture and Commissioning (North) also confirmed his intention to propose the recommendations set out in the officer’s report subject to the inclusion of the amendments circulated at the meeting.  In doing so he referred to the extensive consultation which had been undertaken on the matter and emphasised that in listening to the concerns raised by the trade and others, the authority’s responsibilities for public safety and safeguarding had been taken very seriously and the Council would continue to work closely with the trade towards introducing higher levels of safety for all parties.

Question 1

Mr Martin Croll of Shrewsbury had submitted a question on the proposed Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy.  A written reply from the Portfolio Holder for Business Growth, ip&e, Culture and Commissioning (North) was tabled at the meeting – a copy of the full question and reply is attached to the signed minutes.

By way of a supplementary question Mr Croll queried the proposed wheelchair accessibility requirements and the implications of this and other issues for his business going forward.  In response the Licensing Officer indicated that officers considered that there should be a cut off period point but that matters could be dealt with on a case by case basis.

Question 2

Mr Richard Price of Shrewsbury had submitted a question on the proposed Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy.  A written reply from the Portfolio Holder for Business Growth, ip&e, Culture and Commissioning (North) was tabled at the meeting – a copy of the full question and reply is attached to the signed minutes.

By way of a supplementary question Mr Price indicated that the concerns raised in his question had been attended to in the proposed amendments.

Question 3

Mr Matt Young of Shrewsbury had submitted a question on the proposed Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy.  A written reply from the Portfolio Holder for Business Growth, ip&e, Culture and Commissioning (North) was tabled at the meeting – a copy of the full question and reply is attached to the signed minutes.

By way of a supplementary question Mr Young expressed concern at the implications of the proposals for his business in cases of vehicles being written off.  In response the Licensing Officer indicated that matters could be dealt with on a case by case basis and offered discussions outside of the meeting with Mr Young regarding guidance in relation to his individual private concerns.

Question 4

Ms Samantha Williams of SD Travel had submitted a question on the proposed Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy.  A written reply from the Portfolio Holder for Business Growth, ip&e, Culture and Commissioning (North) was tabled at the meeting – a copy of the full question and reply is attached to the signed minutes.

Speaking of behalf of SD Travel Mr Simon Duncan indicated he was satisfied with the proposed amendments to the Policy and had no need to ask a supplementary question.

Question 5

On behalf of Central Taxis (Shrewsbury) and Diamond Cars (Shifnal) Mr David Wilson had submitted a question on the proposed Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy.  A written reply from the Portfolio Holder for Business Growth, ip&e, Culture and Commissioning (North) was tabled at the meeting – a copy of the full question and reply is attached to the signed minutes.

By way of a supplementary question Mr David Wilson suggested that the proposals were too complicated and that this would have serious implications for the trade.  He asked for the introduction of a more simplified set of proposals.  In turn the Licensing Officer indicated that consultation responses had supported differentiation between petrol and diesel vehicles and euro ratings.  Guidance and assistance would be provided to applicants each time a licence was due to be renewed.  The Leader indicated his support for the amended Policy to be agreed as it stood but for the matter to be looked at in more detail outside of the meeting with the trade and for any ramifications of the issue being submitted for consideration to a future cabinet meeting if necessary.

Question 6

Mr Paul Merriefield of Comet Cars had submitted a question on the proposed Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy.  A written reply from the Portfolio Holder for Business Growth, ip&e, Culture and Commissioning (North) was tabled at the meeting – a copy of the full question and reply is attached to the signed minutes.

Speaking on behalf of Comet Cars Ms Samantha Williams indicated that she was satisfied with the proposed amendments to the Policy and had no need to ask a supplementary question.

Questions 7

Mr John Herzig had submitted a question on the proposed Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy.  A written reply from the Portfolio Holder for Business Growth, ip&e, Culture and Commissioning (North) was tabled at the meeting – a copy of the full question and reply is attached to the signed minutes.

By way of a supplementary question Mr Herzig referred to the difficulties being experienced by himself in trying to establish euro rating requirements for his Vauxhall Vectra vehicle.  In turn the Licensing Officer indicated that officers would work with Mr Herzig outside of the meeting to establish the position with regard to his vehicle.