Agenda and decisions

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Lisa Nash.

Members are reminded that any declarations of interest in respect to any business set out in the agenda, should be declared as either a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest or a Declarable Interest and are required to notify the Chair of the nature of any interest declared at the commencement of the relevant item on the agenda. Members declaring a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest must withdraw from the meeting for the duration of the item.

Members declaring a Declarable Interest, wishing to exercise a ‘Councillor Speaking Right’, must declare this at the same time as the interest, move to the public area before speaking to the item and then must leave the room before the debate and vote.

(1)   The Chair advised that, in accordance with Council Policy, the meeting would be recorded.

(2)   The Chair drew attention to the item on the agenda front pages regarding Declarations of Interest and reminded Members that, in line with the Code of Conduct, any Declarations of Interest needed to be declared immediately prior to the item in question.

(3)   The Chair advised for purposes of clarification that 4.8.23(a) of the constitution did apply to this meeting and Members were required to be present for the entirety of an Item to vote.

Members should notify the Chair of other business which they wish to be discussed at the end of either Part I or Part II business set out in the agenda. They must state the circumstances which they consider justify the business being considered as a matter of urgency. The Chair will decide whether any item(s) raised will be considered.

There was no other business notified.

To receive petitions, comments, and questions from the public.

There was no public participation.

The Licensing and Community Safety Manager will provide Members with a verbal update on progress of matters raised at the meeting of the Committee on 14 October 2024.

The Licensing and Community Safety Manager provided Members with a verbal update on progress of matters raised at the meeting of the Committee on 14 October 2024.

REPORT OF THE LICENSING AND COMMUNITY SAFETY MANAGER

To consider a revised sex establishment licensing policy.

RESOLVED: That the Committee

(1) Endorsed and commented on the Sex Establishment Licensing Policy, attached as Appendix A.

(2) Delegated authority to the Licensing and Community Safety Manager, in consultation with the Chair of the Licensing and Regulation Committee, to make amendments to the Policy, as outlined at the meeting.

REASONS FOR DECISIONS:

(1) The current policy worked well when the district did have a licensed sex shop, however some minor amendments are needed to ensure it remains fit for purpose, particularly in areas of safeguarding and the Council’s White Ribbon commitment.

(2) The adoption of a policy ensures that applicants, licence holders, and the public have a clear understanding of the licensing process and objectives; it also ensures a consistent and transparent approach.

REPORT OF THE LICENSING AND COMMUNITY SAFETY MANAGER

To consider responses to the consultation and adopt a revised taxi and private hire licensing policy.

RESOLVED: That the Committee

(1) Considered the responses to the public consultation.

(2) Commented on the Policy, attached as Appendix A, and delegated authority to the Licensing and Community Safety Manager, in consultation with the Chair of the Licensing and Regulation Committee, to make amendments to the policy, as outlined at the meeting.

REASONS FOR DECISIONS:

(1) The existing policy has worked well since its adoption with effect from 26 October 2020, following a public consultation on a number of changes to policy.

(2) The adoption of a policy ensures that applicants, licence holders, and the public have a clear understanding of the licensing process and objectives; it also ensures a consistent and transparent approach to decision-making.

(3) Continued efficiencies through smarter ways of working, supported by the co-operation of the licence holders, has resulted in changes to the policy that will improve the customer experience and make best use of existing resources.

(4) Government has published two new documents that local authorities must consider when adopting its next policy, and they have been considered as part of this consultation process.

(5) Early discussions with the North Herts Taxi Drivers Association identified some additional suggestions that were included in the policy published for consultation.