The Licensing Panel of Fareham Council is scheduled to convene to discuss several items, primarily focusing on licensing matters. A significant portion of the meeting may be held in private due to the confidential nature of the information to be discussed. The panel will be considering a report regarding hackney carriage and private hire vehicle driving licences.

Here's a breakdown of the key topics:

Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Vehicle Driving Licences

The panel is scheduled to review a report by the Licensing Officer concerning hackney carriage¹ and private hire vehicle driving licences. The agenda frontsheet indicates that this report contains exempt information. The Public Reports Pack includes several appendices that provide context for these discussions:

• Procedure for the Hearing of Appeals: This appendix outlines the steps involved in hearing appeals by the Licensing Panel, including the presentation of evidence, questioning of witnesses, and summing up of cases. It states that:

All parties and their witnesses will then be asked to withdraw from the meeting whilst the Licensing Panel deliberates in private.

• Statement of Policy: This appendix details the council's policy regarding relevant convictions for hackney and private hire vehicle drivers. It emphasises that while applicants are requested to declare any convictions, disclosure does not automatically disqualify them. The council will consider factors such as the nature of the offence, how long ago it was committed, and the applicant's age at the time.

• IoL Guidance on Suitability October 2024: This appendix refers to guidance from the Institute of Licensing (IoL) on determining the suitability of applicants and licensees in the hackney and private hire trades. The guidance covers various aspects, including offenders, offending, re-offending, risk of harm, and taxi and private hire licensing law. It also provides guidance on determination, pre-application requirements, and specific considerations for drivers, operators, and vehicle proprietors. The document states that:

The overriding aim of any Licensing Authority when carrying out its functions relating to the licensing of Taxi or Private Hire Drivers, Vehicle Proprietors and Operators, must be the protection of the public and others who use (or can be affected by) Taxi and Private Hire services.

The IoL guidance also sets out suggested tests for determining the suitability of private hire operators and vehicle proprietors.

Exclusion of the Public and Press

The panel will consider whether to exclude the public and press from the meeting, as permitted under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972². This is due to the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 1, 2, and 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12 of the Act.