Agenda item

Present

Apologies

Ben Thomson

Michael Bridge

Charles Oakes

Sham Raja

David Lawrie (NPHTA)

Peter Eccleston

Charlotte Morris

Lisa Rapport

Adam Bucior

Khalid Hussain

(Buried Drivers Association for the Hackneys)

Kirsty Wild (Magnum White Line)

Matthew Freckleton (noted as absent, Uber was represented)

Item No.

Topic

Action

1.

Welcome and Apologies

-          BT and MB discussed the apologies and absences for the meeting, noting the absence of representatives from the Buried Drivers Association, Magnum White Line, and Matthew Freckleton.

2.

Minutes & Actions of previous meetings

-          BT reviewed the minutes from the last meeting held on February 24th, and there were no comments or issues raised

3.

GMP update

PE provided an update on taxi-related incidents, including a few thefts, an attempted sexual assault, and other minor incidents. He emphasized the need for better communication and reporting of incidents involving taxi drivers.

Community Safety Partnership Funding

-          BT/MB explored funding streams through the Community Safety Partnership but found no available funding at the moment. They will continue to seek funding opportunities.

Break-ins in BL9 Area

-          SR raised concerns about break-ins in the BL9 area, specifically targeting taxis. PE requested crime numbers or dates to investigate further.

Bilking Incidents

-          DL expressed concerns about drivers not reporting bilking incidents due to a lack of confidence in the response. He emphasized the need to encourage drivers to report all incidents

Anti-Fraud Campaign

-          David mentioned that the anti-fraud team had been trying to contact Peter for a nationwide campaign and requested Peter to check his emails.

4.

Clean Air Update (10 Mins) BT

Update from TfGM Website – Clean Taxi Fund

-          BT provided an update on the Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan, including funding for electric buses, expansion of the tram network, and the Clean Taxi Fund for Hackney Carriages. He emphasized the importance of applying for funding early when it opens (anticipated) November.

5.

Enforcement / Service Issues (15 min) MB

Parklife/Oasis Feedback

-          MB reported on the enforcement activities during the Parklife and Oasis events, including the presence of out-of-town vehicles and the need for improved signage.

Government Review – Transport Select Committee

-          BT and CM mentioned that submissions related to taxi licensing and the Baroness Casey report would be published on the Transport Select Committee's website, and that these submissions are considered public documents. The Councils submission will be available once published.

-          The trade were reminded to submit their submission directly to the Select Committee, even after the deadline, as it may still be considered. DL clarified that the trade's submission was shared with councils and MPs for reference.

-          Rules around press releases and sharing evidence submitted to the Transport Select Committee, noting that while press releases may have restrictions, sharing between stakeholders is generally acceptable.

Changes to DBS verification

-          MB explained the new rules for DBS verification, including the introduction of in-branch verification at the post office for drivers who fail the online process.

DBS Update service checks

-          MB provided an update on the DBS update service checks, explaining that drivers will be checked every two weeks and any changes will require a new DBS certificate.

Review of Statement of Licensing Policy

-          MB announced the consultation for the statement of licensing policy for licensed premises, which will be open for five weeks starting 17th September 2025

6.

Specific Subjects for Discussion

Trade requested Items:

Baroness Casey Report SR/DL

-          BT summarized the Baroness Casey report, highlighting concerns about taxi licensing practices, safeguarding, and public protection. Discussions took place around the implications of the report, including the potential for mandatory CCTV in taxis. MB confirmed no current plans in pipeline for mandating CCTV.

Devolution White Paper SR/DL

-          BT provided an overview of the Devolution White Paper, discussing its potential impact on taxi licensing and enforcement. DL CO expressed concerns about the implications for the trade, including the possibility of drivers flooding into busy areas.

7.

AOB

Licensing Policy Consultation:Written-Off Vehicles Policy

-          MB BT explained the policy on written-off vehicles, stating that no written-off vehicles can be licensed in Bury, regardless of the category.

8.

Date and Time of next meeting

Agreed In Person meeting on 1 Dec 2025 4pm Council Chamber, Bury Town Hall.

ALL