Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest raised by Members.

We received a report regarding the fees to set for this Authority in relation to Premises Licences under the Gambling Act 2005 for 21^st May 2019 – 20^th May 2020.

In doing so, the following points were noted:

·         In response to a question raised regarding fees that are losing income and whether there might be a way to change the system to reduce the loss of income, it was noted that this matter could be dealt with at a national level whereby officers could report back to the Institute of Licencing in respect of this matter.

We resolved that:

(i)            the fees and charges, as detailed in Appendix A of the report, be approved and have effect from 21^st May 2019.

(ii)          the fees be subsequently reviewed annually.

We received a report regarding the consultation response to the Welsh Government White Paper – Improving Public Transport.

In doing so, the following points were noted:

·         Part 2 – Welsh Government White Paper – Improving Public Transport:  The following amendments would be required:

-       Question 29 – Currently, Police, DVSA and local Authority officers all have different powers.  Therefore, proposals to make the enforcement powers more consistent to benefit the trade would be more appropriate.

-       Question 34 – The third line within the response makes reference to option B.  This needs to be amended to refer to option A.

-       Question 36 – With regard to Welsh language, a note be added stating that in Monmouthshire, we already have dual language badges and plates on all of our vehicles, as well as having bilingual roof lights.

·         The White paper was considered to be narrow in its approach and does not encompass the changes in technology.

·         Members agreed with officers in that they could not support a National Licensing Authority and agreed with the comments, as outlined in Question 33. Members’ comments were noted and would be reported back to the National Group.

·         In a rural economy, buses are being subsidised but the services being provided are not always fit for purpose. A more flexible transport system is required.

·         It was considered that the taxi service is going to change, going forward. 

·         The White Paper does not address safeguarding issues if a system is introduced that collects passengers at various pick up points who then share a taxi.

·         The White Paper is considered to be out of date.

·         In response, it was noted that it would be simpler to have just a single tier system.

·         It was acknowledged that technology could be included.

·         On a national level, the UK Government has released separate consultation documents looking at reforming taxis in England and Wales.

·         Monmouthshire borders six counties, some of which are located within England. Therefore, the White Paper needs to run in tandem with its English counterpart. This has been referred to in the consultation response.

·         Concern was expressed that some specialist vehicles are being used for weddings which are often two door vehicles.  In response, it was noted that funeral and wedding vehicles are exempt under the current acts.  Some consistency around this issue would be beneficial, going forward.

·         It was noted that Welsh Government has dispatched the consultation document to the majority of taxi firms.  Monmouthshire County Council has also dispatched the document to all of its licensed drivers providing them with an opportunity to respond.

·         Enforcement should remain within the remit of the local Authority, as outlined in Question 28, particularly around safeguarding issues. Currently, when a safeguarding complaint is received that requires investigation, officers discuss with social services and local police and strategy meetings are held to ascertain the action required.

·         In response to a question raised regarding Welsh speaking, the Authority currently does not have any drivers that prefer to correspond in Welsh.  

·         On behalf  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

The minutes of the Licensing and Regulatory Committee dated 15^th January 2019 were confirmed and signed by the Chair.

The minutes of the Licensing and Regulatory Sub Committee dated 15^th January 2019 were confirmed and signed by the Chair.

The minutes of the special meeting of the Rights of Way Advisory Panel, Licensing and Regulatory Committee dated 29^th January 2019 were confirmed and signed by the Chair.

In doing so, the following amendment was agreed in which the final paragraph would read:

‘Upon taking into account the evidence presented, Members unanimously agreed to approve the recommendations and the Cabinet Member for Operations Management be advised accordingly.’

·         Licensing and Regulatory Sub Committee – Tuesday 5^th March 2019 at 11.00am.

·         Licensing and Regulatory Committee - Tuesday 9^th April 2019 at 10.00am.

·         Licensing and Regulatory Sub Committee – Tuesday 5^th March 2019 at 11.00am.

·         Licensing and Regulatory Committee – Tuesday 9^th April 2019 at 10.00am.