The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to convene to address licensing matters within Sheffield. The agenda includes discussion of Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing, as well as declarations of interest from committee members. A significant portion of the meeting may be held in private due to the confidential nature of the cases to be discussed.

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing

The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to review individual cases related to Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing. According to the agenda, a report from the Chief Licensing Officer will be presented. However, the agenda notes that the details of these cases will not be available to the public, as they contain exempt information under paragraphs 1 and 2 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972¹.

Declarations of Interest

At the meeting, members are expected to declare any interests they have in the matters to be considered. According to the agenda attachment, councillors must declare any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests (DPIs) or personal interests. The Agenda Attachment August 23 provides guidance on what constitutes a DPI, including employment, contracts with the council, beneficial interests in land or securities, and more. Councillors with a DPI must leave the room during discussions and votes on the relevant item. The Agenda Attachment August 23 states:

If you are present at a meeting of the Council, of its Policy Committees, or of any committee, sub-committee, joint committee, or joint sub-committee of the authority, and you have a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest (DPI) relating to any business that will be considered at the meeting, you must not:

• participate in any discussion of the business at the meeting, or if you become aware of your Disclosable Pecuniary Interest during the meeting, participate further in any discussion of the business, or
• participate in any vote or further vote taken on the matter at the meeting.

The Agenda Attachment August 23 also advises that councillors may seek a dispensation from these rules by writing to the Monitoring Officer at least 48 hours before the meeting.