Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were submitted by B Thomson- Assistant Director Public Protection & Resilience.

Members of the Licensing and Safety Committeeare asked to consider whether they have an interest in any of the matters on the agenda, and if so, to formally declare that interest. 

Councillor Rydeheard placed on record in relation to agenda item 9, he knew the representative of the driver. He would therefore remain in the meeting during deliberation of this application but would abstain and take no part in the voting process.

The minutes of the meeting held on the 11th June 2026 are attached. Members of the Licensing and Safety Committee are asked to consider whether these are a correct record of the meeting, and if so, to formally approve them.

Delegated decision:

That the Minutes of the last meeting held on the 11^th June 2026 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Questions are invited from members of the public present at the meeting on any matters for which this Committee is responsible. Questions from members of the public may only be asked if notice has been given no later than midday two days before the day of the meeting.

A questioner who is present at the meeting and who has submitted a written question may, at the discretion of the Chair, ask one supplementary question. A supplementary question must arise directly out of the original question or the reply. A question must relate to an item included on the agenda, referenced in the Minutes or an area to which the committee has responsibility.

No questions had been pre submitted to the meeting and no members of the public were in attendance at the meeting.

A report from the Executive Director (Corporate Core) is attached.

The Executive Director (Corporate Core) submitted a report advising Members on operational issues within the Licensing Service.

The report set out updates in respect of the following issues:

The Licensing Service had dealt with a number of compliance and enforcement matters between the 25^th May to the 14^th June 2026.

A Member asked what we can do as a Council to help support these activities and another Member commented on heavy workloads for the service. The Licensing Unit Manager reported that a good working relationship was currently in place with the Police. This helped with intelligence reporting on issues such as illicit tobacco and agencies all working together which included Trading Standards.

Delegated decision:

It was agreed that the report be noted.

A report from the Executive Director (Corporate Core) is attached.

The Executive Director (Corporate Core) submitted an additional report advising Members on operational issues within the Licensing Service.

The report set out updates in respect of matters that the Licensing service are or have been involved with:

PURPLE FLAG

Purple Flag is an accreditation process similar to the Green Flag award for parks and the Blue Flag for beaches. It leads to Purple Flag status for town & city centres that meet or surpass the standards of excellence in managing the evening and night time economy (ENTE).

Bury has held Purple Flag for over 10 years now and the town centres achieve a Purple Flag will be those that are safe, diverse, vibrant, appealing, well-managed and offer a positive experience to consumers.

Officers from the Licensing Service took part in the internal assessment for the Purple Flag Assessment with other colleagues within the Council. The internal assessment will be sent to the ATCM (Association of Town and City Management) for review and approval.

Whilst undertaking the internal assessment, the officers visited the Street Pastors who work in the Town Centre providing support to patrons in the town and have a good links with the Council, Greater Manchester Police and other partners to ensure that core standards are upheld.  

DRAFT TAXI AND PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE (PHV) BILL – KEY REFORMS AND LOCAL IMPLICATIONS

The Government has announced a draft Bill representing the most significant overhaul of taxi and private hire legislation in more than a century. The reforms aim to modernise an outdated system, strengthen public safety, and introduce a consistent national framework across England.

The Bill responds to longstanding concerns about safeguarding, inconsistent enforcement, and cross-border working, including recommendations from Baroness Casey’s review into child sexual exploitation.

CCTV

Bury Council does not currently have an adopted policy mandating CCTV or covering the installation or standard/requirement(s) of CCTV systems within licensed Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicles.

The Council has previously explored the introduction of a CCTV trial which requires funding. Application for ARIS funding to support a pilot scheme, working in partnership with Greater Manchester Police was unfortunately unsuccessful and consequently there are no opportunities to run a pilot scheme.

During the implementation of the Greater Manchester Common Minimum Licensing Standards (CMLS), the issue of mandating CCTV was considered. Views within the licensed trade were polarising. A proportion of drivers and proprietors recognise the potential benefits of CCTV, particularly in relation to driver and passenger safety, crime prevention and evidential value. However, others within the trade expressed strong concerns regarding necessity, cost, and privacy. It was also indicated that introducing a mandatory requirement could result in significant opposition, including the potential for industrial action.

The issue has been discussed at length at Trade Liaison Meetings with membership indicating equally strong polarising views on either side of the argument to mandate/not mandate CCTV.

TRADE LIAISON MEETING

Members were provided with an update on the key matters discussed at the Trade Liaison Meeting held in June which discussed relevant operational, policy and strategic  ...  view the full minutes text for item LSP.6

Any other business, which by reason of special circumstances, the Chair agrees may be considered as a matter of urgency.

No urgent business was reported at the meeting.

To consider passing the appropriate resolution under section 100 (A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 that the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item of business since it involves the likely disclosure of the exempt information stated.

Delegated decision:

That in accordance with Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items of business since it involved the likely disclosure of information relating to individuals who hold Licences granted by the Authority or Applicants for Licences provided by the Authority. </AI7>

A report from the Executive Director (Corporate Core) is attached.

Licence Holder 02/2026

The Executive Director (Corporate Core) submitted a report relating to client number 02/2026, who was in attendance at the meeting alongside their representative.

The Chair made introductions and alongside the legal advisor outlined the procedure to be followed and clarified that all those present had read the report. The report, which was accepted by the Licence Holder was presented by the Licensing Unit Manager and set out the reasons for him being before the Committee.

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The Licensing Unit Manager reported and presented background information to the Committee on this case.

Members of the Committee asked a number of questions in relation to the case.

The Licence Holder was before Members for consideration to continue to hold a Private Hire Driver and Operator’s Licence in Bury.

Delegated decision:

The Committee carefully considered the report and oral representations by the Licence Holder and their representative.

Private hire drivers licence

Taking into account the Council’s Conviction Policy and Guidelines and in accordance with the powers granted under Section 61(1)(b) and (2A) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, the Committee resolved to admonish the Private Hire Driver licensee as to future conduct.

Private hire Operators Licence

Taking into account the Council’s Conviction Policy and Guidelines and in accordance with the powers granted under Section 61(1)(b) and (2A) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, the Committee resolved to admonish the Operator licensee as to future conduct.

The Committee had given careful consideration to the evidence provided.

The driver was informed of their right to appeal this decision to the Magistrates’ Court within 21 days of receiving written notification.

A report from the Executive Director (Corporate Core) is attached.

Client Number 03/2026

The Executive Director (Corporate Core) submitted a report relating to applicant 03/2026, who was in attendance at the meeting.

The Chair made introductions and along with the Legal Advisor outlined the procedure to be followed and clarified that all those present had read the report. The report, which was accepted by the applicant and presented by the Licensing Unit Manager, set out the reasons for the applicant being before the Committee.

The Licensing Unit Manager reported and presented background information to the Committee on this case.

Members of the Committee asked a number of questions in relation to the case.

The applicant was before members for consideration to be given as to his suitability to be a private hire driver in Bury.

Delegated decision:

The Committee carefully considered the report along with the oral representations by the applicant at the meeting.

Taking into account the Council’s Conviction Policy and Guidelines and in accordance with the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, and the statutory guidance issued by the Secretary of State under section 177 of the Policing and Crime Act 2017, the Committee resolved to grant the application for a three-year period and felt </AI9>the applicant was a “fit and proper” person to hold a public / private hire driver licence.

The driver was informed of their right to appeal this decision to the Magistrates’ Court within 21 days of receiving written notification.