Agenda and minutes

To receive any declarations of interest from Members of the Panel.

There were no declarations of interest.

The Minutes of the proceedings of the meeting of the Speakers’ Panel (Licensing) held on 26 January 2016, having been circulated, to be signed by the Chair as a correct record.

The Minutes of the Speakers Panel (Licensing) meeting held on 26 January 2016 were approved and signed as a correct record.

The Panel to receive a verbal update from the Licensing Manager.

The Regulatory Compliance Officer (Licensing) provided a verbal update to the Panel.  A Local Government Association Handbook was circulated, which covered the regulatory framework for taxis and private hire vehicles, the role of Councillors, the ‘fit and proper’ person test, public protection and enforcement and special considerations.

A background to the licensing team and explanations for the various conditions attached to licensed vehicles, drivers and operators was provided.  It was confirmed that advanced DBS checks for drivers were undertaken every three years, however, drivers were duty bound to notify the team of any convictions they may have.  Consultation on a Greater Manchester convictions policy would commence shortly and would be brought to a future meeting of the Panel for consideration.

A document on cross-border working was circulated to the Panel and an update on Uber was provided.  Details of the Law Commission report and suggestions to deal with cross-border issues were highlighted.

RESOLVED

That the update be noted.

To consider any items which the Chair is of the opinion shall be considered as a matter of urgency

The Chair reported that there were no urgent items for consideration at the meeting.