Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillor John Brynmor Hughes, Siôn Jones, Rheinallt Puw and Annwen Daniels.

To receive any declaration of personal interest.

No declarations of personal interest were received from any members present.

To note any items that are a matter of urgency in the view of the Chairman for consideration.

None to note

The Chairman shall propose that the minutes of the meeting of this Committee, held on June 11^th 2018 be signed as a true record. 

The Chairman signed the minutes of the previous meeting of this committee held on 11 June 2018 as a true record.

To submit, for information, minutes of the General Licensing Sub-committee meeting held on the following date –

a) 22.05.2018

b) 17.07.2018

c) 24.07.2018

Submitted - for information, the minutes of a meeting of the General Licensing Sub-committee that took place on 22.05.2018, 17.07.2018 and 24.07.2018.

To consider the report of the Head of Environment

          A report was presented by the Head of the Environment Department on the response to the public consultation regarding increasing taxi licence fees in order to ensure that costs associated with licensing administration are fully recovered.  Members were reminded that Sections 53 and 70 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 state that fees may be charged at a level sufficient to recover reasonable costs; the increase on average will be 28%.

          It was reported that the consultation had expired on 30th August and it was confirmed that no objections or written observations had been received.  It was highlighted that one local company had mentioned in an email that it would be an idea to review the fares the industry can charge customers. This observation was received as no application for a review had been made for years.

During the ensuing discussion, the following points were highlighted by individual Members:

·         Much work had been done to address and protect the industry in the past

·         An application for a three-year licence was ultimately cheaper than a one-year licence and that the saving was substantial.

In response to a comment that a suggestion had been made to review customer fares, it was noted that a written request was required from an industry representative in order to formally commence the process.   It was added that the officers would encourage the industry to submit a letter. 

In response to a question regarding briefing discussions with Cabinet Members, regarding the matter, it was reported that regular meetings took place with the Cabinet Member and the Cabinet Member was aware that the principle was to recover the costs.

In response to a question regarding reviewing and reconciling the regulations across Gwynedd, it was noted that this would be considered when reviewing Gwynedd Council Taxi Policies.

It was RESOLVED to finally approve the proposal to increase the fees to be operational from 1st October 2018, to the level recommended; in accordance with the procedure outlined in the public consultation.