Agenda and minutes

None.

It was RESOLVED to confirm as a true record the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on the 26 November 2020

Consideration was given to the Report of the Trading Standards & Licensing Manager and Senior Licensing Officer advising Members of activity undertaken by the Licensing Section since the last Committee meeting as follows:-

•           Wild Animal Kingdom Borth – Update

•           Horse Drawn Carriage – Policy (Consultation)

•           Camping Licensing – Extension of Temporary use to 56 days

•           Taxi and Private Hire Statistics 2020/2021

•           Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 – Taxi Hearings    Application for Vehicle Licence – Private Hire

•           Dog Breeding – Court Case Appeal

•           General Update regarding Animal Welfare/Dog Breeding Legislation -         New Regulations, Welsh Government Consultations, etc.

Following questions from the floor, it was AGREED

(i) to note the report for Information;

(ii) to note that the Horse Drawn Carriage – Policy (Consultation) would need to be considered at a future Scrutiny commitee prior to presenting to Cabinet; and

(iii) to note that a report on the introduction to The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (Wales) Regulations 2021;

which introduces a ban on third party sales of puppies (and

kittens) (“Lucy’s law”) in Wales. Overview of the current situation with licensed dog breeding in Ceredigion was due to be considered by Healthier Communties Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the 22 September

Consideration was given the report upon Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing – Review of Current Policy - Determining the Suitability of Applicants and Current Licence Holders. The report had been presented in order to the Licensing Committee’s approval for the Licensing Service to begin a formal public consultation, on changing the Council’s Suitability Policy relating to applicants and holders of hackney carriage, private hire vehicle, driver’s licences and operator licences.

The following Information was outlined upon:-

•           Background

•           Requirement to Review Current Suitability/Fitness Policy

•           Requirement for Consultation

•           Legal Implications

Following questions from the floor, it was AGREED to:-

(i) approve the review of its Suitability Policy for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing, and

(ii) approve the need to consult with the trade and the wider public (includingrelevant local organisations) on the draft Suitability/Fitness Policy (Hackney and Private Hire Drivers and owners) Policy.

Consideration was given to the  Proposal to Review Ceredigion County Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy relating to

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicles, Drivers and

Operators. The report had been presentedto inform Members of the Committee of the requirement to review  the current Hackney and Private Hire Polices and seek its approval to consult on the Policy review.

The following Information was outlined upon:-

•           Background

•           Changes to the Statement of Licensing Policy

•           Consultation

•           Achievability

•           Legal Implications

Following question from the floor, it was AGREED

It is recommended that the Committee consider the contents of the report and resolve to APPROVE:-

(i) the review of its Statement of Licensing Policy relating to the Hackney Carriage (Taxi) and Private Hire Vehicles, Drivers and Operators in line with the new DfT Statutory Standards and the Welsh Government’s Harmonisation of Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Licensing Recommendations; and

(ii) the need to consult with the trade and the wider public (including relevant local organisations for example; accessibility groups) on a draft Statement of Licensing Policy.

Councillor Gareth Davies raised his concerns regarding taxi drivers running their car engines outside the school gate; this was also the case with taxi drivers on the taxi rank during the winter to keep warm. It was reported that this was against the law due to its impact on the environment.  The Senior Licensing Officer stated that following the meeting that Councillor Davies should contact him with details of the school, taxi number etc. in order that a letter could be sent from the Licensing Service informing them that this issue was prohibited. Arrangements would also be made for these areas to be visited and vehicles inspected.