Agenda item

A report from the Executive Director (Operations) is attached.

The Executive Director (Operations) 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 7^th February 2022 and the 6^th March 2022.

SECOND TESTING STATION

The Licensing Service have recently met with Sunnybank Service Station, the successful bidder for the concessionary contract, to give them training on the policies and procedures relating to the testing of Hackney Carriage and Private Hire vehicles.

A review of the Testing Manual has taken place and a copy of the updated version was available on the Council’s Website. There had not been any fundamental changes to the document.

The Licensing Service have been working to ensure that the on-line application forms have been updated, which will enable a smooth transition when the contract commences on the 1^st April 2022.

A communications plan had been drafted which included a frequently asked questions page on the Council’s website and updated guidance and information on the changes to the application process, including how vehicle proprietors can select their desired testing station. This information would be sent out to all drivers, operators, and Trade Associations before the commencement of the contract.

PARTNERSHIP WORKING

The Licensing Service have recently attended a meeting with Greater Manchester Police to discuss about the creation of a Tactical Licensing Meeting. All responsible authorities under the Licensing Act 2003 will be asked to attend to discuss any matters relating to licensed

premises that are not promoting the four licensing Objectives which are:

·         Prevention of Crime and Disorder

·         Public Safety

·         Prevention of Public Nuisance

·         Protection of Children from Harm

This may result in review applications being submitted to the Licensing Hearings Sub-Committee for consideration.

STATISTICS (TELEPHONES)

Following the request of the Licensing and Safety Committee, included in the agenda packs was a weekly statistical breakdown of telephone calls to the Licensing Service:-

The Licensing Service deal with a large number of different types of licences, registrations and consents and the calls displayed within the chart of the report may be from current licence holders, new applicants, Solicitors and members of the public. On the Licensing hunt group extension number there is a facility to leave a message which drops into the Licensing Inbox. The Licensing Service contact all individuals who have left messages as soon as possible. The Licensing Service are continuing to work with the “Lets Do it Once” Programme Board to ensure our processes have a digital offer for all new/existing licence holders.

The Licensing Manager added that a new computer package was currently being worked on which could enable online booking for MOT’s.

NEW APPOINTMENT ENGAGEMENT OFFICER

The Licensing Service has secured external funding and appointed an engagement officer who is now working with the trade to provide support. This work includes contacting drivers whose licences are due to expire to explain the importance of renewing licenses on time and to encourage the early submission of renewal applications. The officer will also provide support

and advice around the clean taxi fund linked to the GM Clean Air Zone, which is currently under review.

The Chair placed on record her thanks to the Licensing Manager and

Licensing Team for their hard work and in relation to the creation of a second

MOT testing station.

A Member thanked the Licensing service for details on telephone statistics and enquired if week 10 had been a problem due to the higher percent of answered calls. It was reported that one day during that week the workload consisted of a number of licensing applications to process and taxi plates to process, which were given priority. It was noted that if that single day was taken from the data than the figures for that week would have seen answered calls increase to 66%.

A Member enquired if the new engagement officer would have their contact

details made publicly available. The Head of Public Protection reported that

the officer would be based in the licensing service and their details would be

shared with the trade.

It was agreed:

That the report be noted.