Agenda and draft minutes

Members and officers must declare any disclosable pecuniary interests in relation to any business on the agenda. Declarations should also be made at any stage such an interest becomes apparent during the meeting.

If in doubt contact the Legal or Democratic Services representative for this meeting.

There were no declarations of interest.

So as to provide the best opportunity for the Committee to provide the public with the fullest answer, questions from the public should be submitted by midday on Wednesday 20 March 2024.

Where relevant notice of a question has not been given, the person presiding may either choose to give a response at the meeting or respond by undertaking to provide a written response within three working days.

Questions should be submitted to Democratic Services - democratic.services@adur-worthing.gov.uk

(Note: Public Question Time will last for a maximum of 30 minutes)

There were no questions from the public.

Pre-submitted Members questions are pursuant to rule 12 of the Council & Committee Procedure Rules.

Questions should be submitted by midday on Wednesday 20 March 2024 to Democratic Services, democratic.services@adur-worthing.gov.uk

(Note: Member Question Time will operate for a maximum of 30 minutes.)

There were no questions from Members.

To approve the minutes of the Committee meetings held on 27 November 2023 and the Sub Committees held on 27 November 2023 and 3 January 2024 which have been emailed to Members.

Resolved: that the minutes of the committee meeting of the 27 November 2023 and the Sub Committees held on 27 November 2023 and 3 January 2024 be approved as the correct record.

To consider any items the Chairman of the meeting considers to be urgent.

There were no urgent items.

A report by the Director for Sustainability & Resources, attached as item 6.           

Before the Committee was a report by the Director for Sustainability & Resources, a copy of which had been circulated to all members.

The Officer clarified for Committee Members how the licence fee system had altered from issuing one year licences to three/five year licences and this accounted for some of the figures differing year to year. He explained that the proposed fee increases would allow the licensing department to become a self-funding service although this may take more than one year.

During debate members were concerned that the proposed fee increases may be an additional financial burden on the taxi drivers, taking into account the current cost of living crisis and fuel price increases. It was also considered that administration for this service needed to be paid for and it was noted that, although the Licensing department was a non-profit making service, it was important that it be self-funding.

Members debated the possibility of encouraging the use of electric vehicles amongst the taxi trade by reducing fees in those cases. However the Officer clarified that the administration of all licences cost an equal amount regardless of whether or not they were for EV’s. The Committee acknowledged this but remained keen to investigate more innovative ways of applying licensing charges to encourage greener choices and the Officer agreed to initiate discussions regarding this.

A proposal was made to accept the Officers recommendation. This was seconded and voted on with a result of 10 votes in favour and 1 vote against. There were no abstentions.

Decision - The Committee noted that one response was received following the Council placing a notice in a local newspaper setting out the changes to the vehicle and operator fees and inviting representations on those changes within 28 days. Having considered the response and the current financial situation of the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire summary account, the Licensing and Control Committee agreed to continue with the proposed fees. The Licensing and Control Committee also agreed to recommend to Council that it formally ratifies the Licensing Fees in Appendix 3 and that they shall come into effect on 1 April 2024.