Decisions

Delegated decision:

That the Minutes of the Licensing and Safety Panel meeting held on 18 April 2019, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

                  The Assistant Director (Legal and Democratic Services) submitted a report advising Members on operational issues within the Licensing Service.

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

Licensing Hearings Panel; A Panel meeting was held on 25 April in respect of Killon Street Off Licence, where it was resolved to modify the conditions of the licence.

The Licensing Unit Manager provided and update in respect of safeguarding training, common minimum standards, pre-requisite assessments and knowledge tests.

In response to a question concerning Clean Air across Greater Manchester, the Licensing Unit Manager reported on engagement with the Taxi trade through the Environmental Health Department and stated that information had been sent to all private hire operators. Further engagement is proposed.

      It was agreed:

                    That the report be noted.

                   Mr Charles Oakes, representing the Hackney Drivers Association and Bury Private Hire Association questioned why a number of complaints he had submitted had not been responded to.

                   The Head of Service (Trading Standards and Licencing) explained to Mr Oakes and the Panel that a large volume of complaints were being sent through various pathways which was confusing and unhelpful in terms of making sure responses are provided. An undertaking was given to provide Mr Oakes with the appropriate pathway and Mr Oakes was asked to provide a detailed list of those he believed remain outstanding. The Head of Legal Services highlighted the importance of clarifying whether things were being raised as formal complaints through the Complaints Procedure, general requests for information or Freedom of Information requests.

                   Mr Mahmood raised issues around inconsistencies with MOT testing and referred to individual cases which had been failed as a result of tinted glass and dust on the engine. The Licensing Unit Manager explained that he had already received a complaint on this issue. It was reported that the complaint had been acknowledged and would be responded to.

                   Mr Sajad raised the issue of Bury only having one MOT Station, which is currently out of use, with drivers having to travel to Bolton. In response the Head of Service (Trading Standards and Licencing) explained that following a fire at Bradley Fold MOT Station, as the station cannot be used, alternative provision was identified within 48 hours at a Station 4 miles away, with the capacity to test 50 vehicles per week. It was reported that MOT provision would be audited and reported back to this Panel.

                   In response to a question concerning MOT Certificates not being issued, the Licensing Unit Manager explained that licensed vehicles did not require an MOT but are issued with a certificate of compliance that exempts them from requiring an MOT Certificate. He explained this has additional requirements over and above an MOT and drivers should ensure their vehicles are prepared for such tests in advance. He further explained that re-test fees vary according to the number of faults a vehicle fails on.

                   Delegated decision:

                   That the Minutes of the Licensing and Safety Panel meeting held on 7 March 2019, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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.