Licensing Service Plan 2025 -
2026
Service: Licensing to include taxis and private hire, alcohol, gambling, pleasure boats and boatmen, road closures, pavement licensing.
Service Aims: Provide an efficient and effective licensing service, in accordance with relevant legislation, statutory guidance and Council policies by ensuring that all premises, licence holders and vehicles meet the standards required in the New Forest.
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NFDC Corporate Plan 2024 – 2028: Corporate_plan_2024_to_2028.pdf (newforest.gov.uk)
People priorities 1. Helping those in our community with the greatest need. 2. Empowering our residents to live healthy, connected and fulfilling lives. Place priorities 3. Shaping our place now and for future generations. 4. Protecting our climate, coast and natural world. Prosperity priorities 5. Maximising the benefits of inclusive economic growth and investment. 6. Supporting our high-quality business base and economic centres to thrive and grow. Future New Forest
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HIGH PRIORITY/STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT |
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Objective
(What are we going to do)
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Timescale to complete (when)
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Milestones
(how we will know when we completed, or we have achieved it)
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Lead officer
(who)
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RAG Rating (on target) |
Comments/ Risks/Climate impact |
Link to corporate objectives / national plans
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High Priority/ Strategic |
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1 |
Update the format of the DKTs to electronic based questions. Review questions. (Transformation). |
October 2025 |
Revised DKT format and questions. |
CF/ AC |
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6 |
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2 |
Subcontract DBS checking process to 3rd party organisation (Taxi Plus) (Transformation) |
Dec 2025 |
Will provide drivers with online facility to upload documents. Quicker turnround for applicants and will assist reception and licensing with resource. |
CF |
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Transform |
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3 |
Update the Taxi Licensing Policy with reference to the IOL Suitability Guidance
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Sept 2025 |
Minor additions to the policy |
JM CF |
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4 |
Investigate mandatory CCTV option for NFDC vehicles |
April 2026 |
Work with other Hampshire authorities, consultation, evidence-based investigation |
CF PD JM |
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1,2,6 |
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5 |
Review vehicle assessment forms used by the garages
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Dec 2025 |
To include new additions and changes to Taxi Policy |
CF SC PD |
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6 |
Review of fees and charges for Taxi licensing |
Dec 2025 |
New fees and charges published based on sound time/resource statistics. GP&L approval |
JM CF |
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7 |
Performance report on Licensing Activities |
Sept 2025 |
Report to GPL for increase Member awareness of activities
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JM CF |
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Reactive Service |
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8 |
All licences/permits and certificates processed within statutory timescales. (all licence types including Taxis and Licensing Act 2003) |
March 2026 |
Quarterly review for performance flash report |
CF
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Links with people and place priorities |
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9 |
Responding to customer enquiries and complaints (all licence types including Taxis and Licensing Act 2003) |
March 2026 |
Timely response to service requests. Reviewed quarterly |
CF PD |
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Links with people and place priorities |
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10 |
Inspection programme for alcohol and gambling licensed premises (Licensing and Gambling Acts) |
March 2026 |
Inspection programme delivered based on risk, complaints and intelligence. |
CF PD |
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Links with people and place priorities |
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11 |
Protection of the public through revocation of dual driver licences where fit and proper test is not met
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When required |
Revocations carried out in line with scheme of delegation and in a timely manner. Officer decision or hearing to take place. |
JM CF |
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1,2 |
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12 |
Licensing Act 2003. New and variations where valid representations received to an application. Liaison between relevant parties. |
When required |
Hearing held within timescale and application determined. Consultation with Democratic Services and Legal. |
CF JM DS and legal |
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1,2 |
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13 |
Continue to consult and administer new road closures. Implement through Acolaid |
On going |
Closures issued within timeframe. |
CF |
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6 |
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14 |
Continue to upskill new members of the team, working closely with admin team and improve resilience |
March 2026 |
Review roles |
CF |
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In progress |
Transform |
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15 |
Production and submission of statutory returns for HMRC, EA, LA03 and GA05 |
When required |
Returns submitted within the timeframe. |
CF |
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