Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

None to note

To receive any declaration of personal interest.

None to note

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 press and public be excluded from the meeting during the discussion on the following items due to the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 12, Part 4, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. This paragraph should apply because the individuals in question are entitled to privacy and there is no overriding public interest that requires the disclosure of personal information relating to those individuals, nor their identity. Consequently, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

It was RESOLVED to exclude the press and public from the meeting during the discussion on the following items due to the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 12 and 13, Part 4, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. These paragraphs applied as the individuals in question were entitled to privacy and there was no overriding public interest that required the disclosure of personal information relating to those individuals, or their identities. Consequently, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information.

To consider an application by Ms A

(separate copy for sub-committee members only)

DECISION

That the applicant was a fit and proper person to be issued with a hackney vehicle / private hire driver's licence from Gwynedd Council.

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting. He explained that the decision would be made in accordance with Cyngor Gwynedd's Licensing Policy. ⁠It was noted that the purpose of the policy was to set guidelines for the criteria when considering the applicant's application, with the aim of protecting the public by ensuring that:

• The person is a fit and proper person

• The person does not pose a threat to the public

• The public are safeguarded from dishonest persons

• Children and young people are protected

• Vulnerable persons are protected

• The public have confidence in using licensed vehicles

The Licensing Manager presented the written report on the application received from Ms A for a hackney/private hire driver’s licence. ⁠The Sub-committee was requested to consider the application in accordance with the relevant convictions.

The Licensing Authority recommended that the Sub-committee should refuse the application because the applicant had accrued points quickly for more than one driving offence during 2022-23.⁠ However, it was suggested that the Sub-committee should consider the decision of the Magistrates' Court not to prevent the applicant from driving for accruing points for these offences.

The applicant was invited to expand on the application and provide information about the background of the driving offences and her personal circumstances. She noted that she was under pressure from her previous employer to complete trips as quickly as possible to ensure that she could get paid. She reiterated that her attitude had changed since the driving offences, and that she regretted it and had learnt lessons. She really enjoyed working as a taxi driver and believed that her role as a woman driving taxis gave assurance to women who were travelling alone to feel safe in a taxi. She noted that she felt much better and had received good support since changing companies.

RESOLVED that the applicant was a fit and proper person to be issued with a hackney/private hire vehicle driver's licence from Cyngor Gwynedd.

In reaching its decision, the Sub-committee considered the following:

·      The requirements of 'Cyngor Gwynedd's Licensing Policy for Hackney Carriages and Private Hire Vehicles' 

·      The report of the Licensing Department

·      The applicant's application form

·      DBS Statement

·      The report of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency

·      Details of the Court Notice of a Fine and Collection Order

·      Verbal observations by the applicant

Specific consideration was given to the following matters:

Background

In November 2022, the applicant received three penalty points for driving faster than the statutory speed limit on a public road (SP30), i.e. speeding.

In July 2023, the applicant received six penalty points for driving faster than the statutory speed limit on a public road (SP30), i.e. speeding. She received a fine of £250.00. The applicant attended the Court to persuade the magistrate not to ban her from driving. The Magistrates were persuaded that she should not be banned from driving.

The applicant had been honest and had contacted the Licensing Department to inform them of the points and about the decision of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.