The Licensing Committee of North Lincolnshire Council met on Thursday, 13 June 2024, to discuss several key issues, including the approval of a revised Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy, updates on the Openness of Local Government Bodies Regulations 2014, and enforcement activities carried out by authorised officers.

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy

The committee approved the revised Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy following a consultation with interested parties. The policy, which has been in place since January 2011 and was last reviewed in September 2017, is designed to protect the public by regulating Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers, Vehicles, and Operators. The policy is issued in accordance with the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 and the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976. The committee discussed various amendments to the policy and resolved to approve it with the agreed changes.

The Openness of Local Government Bodies Regulations 2014

The Director of Communities presented a report on the Openness of Local Government Bodies Regulations 2014, which require local authorities to report all decisions taken by authorised officers. This includes decisions related to licences, registrations, permits, and consents. The regulations, adopted in August 2014, extend the requirement to report decisions made under delegated authority by officers to all decisions, whether made by an officer or on behalf of another committee/sub-committee or joint committee. A summary of decisions made by officers between 26 May 2023 and 5 November 2023 was made available on the council’s website. The committee noted the report.

Authorised Officer Enforcement Report

The Director of Communities submitted a report on enforcement activities carried out by authorised officers of the Licensing Division. The aim of the Licensing Authority is to protect the safety and welfare of people using regulated businesses, protect the welfare of animals, educate businesses and licence holders to comply with the law, and promote a fair-trading environment. The report highlighted various enforcement actions, including targeted enforcement following complaints and proactive rolling programmed visits to ensure compliance with licensed premises. Officers often work outside normal office hours and in partnership with other agencies such as the police and immigration services. A summary of enforcement activities between 25 May 2023 and 6 November 2023 was attached to the report. The committee noted the report.

For more details, you can refer to the minutes of the meeting.