The Regulatory and General Purposes Committee of Cheshire West and Chester Council met on Thursday, 13 June 2024. Key decisions included granting the honorary freedom of the borough to David Armstrong, approving the appointment of members to the Licensing Panel and the Charitable Trusts Sub-Committee, and agreeing to a request by Tranmere Rovers Football Club to register their badge as a trademark. The committee also approved several amendments to the criteria for licensing Hackney carriage and private hire vehicles.

Honorary Freedom of the Borough for David Armstrong

The committee discussed and approved the recommendation to grant the honorary freedom of the borough to David Armstrong. Armstrong was recognised for his 34 years of dedicated service to the council, including multiple stints as acting chief executive during challenging times. Councillors praised his commitment and contributions, highlighting his willingness to go above and beyond, even paying out of pocket for community needs.

David Armstrong epitomises everything that should be in a person who goes into public service, said one councillor.

For more details, refer to the Honorary Freedom of the Borough David Armstrong document.

Appointment of Members to the Licensing Panel and Charitable Trusts Sub-Committee

The committee approved the process for appointing members to the Licensing Panel and the Charitable Trusts Sub-Committee. The Director of Law and Governance was given delegated authority to convene licensing panels and allocate members based on group leaders' wishes.

For more information, see the Appointment of Members to the Licensing Panel and the Charitable Trusts Sub-Committee document.

Request by Tranmere Rovers Football Club to Register Badge as Trademark

The committee approved Tranmere Rovers Football Club's request to register their badge as a trademark. The badge, derived from the council's coat of arms, needed protection against unconnected businesses using it unofficially. The decision aims to safeguard the club's identity and financial interests.

For further details, refer to the Request to use the Wirral Coat of Arms 002mn document.

Amendments to Licensing Criteria for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicles

The committee approved several amendments to the criteria for licensing Hackney carriage and private hire vehicles. Key changes include:

• Vehicles must comply with Euro 5 or Euro 6 emission standards at the date of first registration.
• Adjustments to the age and MOT testing requirements for both Hackney carriage and private hire vehicles.
• New requirements for tinted windows and the use of steps for vehicles with high entrances.

These changes align with the Department for Transport's best practice guidance and aim to improve vehicle safety and environmental standards.

For comprehensive details, see the Committee Report 13 June 2024 Criteria and DfT Best Practice Guidance Nov 2023 documents.