Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from L. Morgan (Licensing Manager) and Ms B – Licensed Driver – (Agenda Item 4).

There were no declarations of interest made at the beginning or during the course of the meeting.

Members considered the two public interest tests certificates from the Proper Officer and concluded that on balance the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information and it was

RESOLVED that in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting because of the likely disclosure to them of exempt information as        identified in paragraph 12 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

It was noted that Ms B was not in attendance.  The Senior Licensing Officer requested that the matter be heard in Ms B’s absence.  The Sub-Committee were advised that Ms B has been notified of this meeting by way of email and a notification has also been sent via Royal Mail.  The Officer further advised that at the time the Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Vehicle Driver Licence was suspended, Ms B advised the Licensing Department not to make any further contact with her. 

The Sub-Committee confirmed having considered the request and taking into account the content of the report from the Senior Licensing Officer, were of the view that the information contained therein was serious and posed an immediate risk to public safety, and therefore, the request was agreed. 

Having regard to the Officer’s report and all the representations made, and for the reasons disclosed at the meeting, the Sub Committee unanimously RESOLVED that the hackney carriage/private hire vehicle driver’s licence held by Ms B be revoked with immediate effect.

The Senior Licensing Officer will inform the driver of their right of appeal within 21 days following receipt of the written decision notice to appeal to the local Magistrates Court.

Having regard to the Officer’s report and all the representations made, and for the reasons disclosed at the meeting, the Sub Committee unanimously RESOLVED that the application for the grant of a hackney carriage vehicle licence be granted subject the compliance with all other requirements for such vehicle licence, for example the installation of a meter and the surrender of the vehicles Private Hire Licence issued by Newport City Council.

The applicant was informed of their right of appeal within 21 days following receipt of the written decision notice to appeal to the local Magistrates Court.

            The meeting closed at 11.20am