Agenda and minutes

Were received from Cllr J G Ward.

To confirm the minutes of the meetings held on 13 November 2015, 3 December 2015 and 8 January 2016 as correct records.

RESOLVED:

            That the minutes of the meetings held on 13 November 2015, 3 December 2015 and 8 January 2016 be signed by the Chairman as correct records.

To note any declarations of interest made by members in connection with an agenda item.  The nature of the interest must also be specified.

Members are asked to discuss any possible interests with Democratic Services prior to the meeting.

No declarations of interest were made by members in connection with an agenda item.

To note any issues raised during the public participation period.

No issues were raised during the public participation period.

To consider, following the initial publication of the proposals, Hythe & Dibden Parish Council’s request to relocate the weekly Tuesday “street market” from part of New Forest District Council’s car park at St Johns Street to parts of the High Street, St Johns Street and The Marsh.

The Committee considered the proposed relocation of the Hythe market and the transfer of management control of the market to Hythe and Dibden Parish Council.

The Committee noted that following publication of the notice of intent, no objections had been received. The Committee was therefore happy to agree the proposals as set out in the report.

RESOLVED:

That those parts of the High Street, St Johns Street and The Marsh in Hythe shown coloured green on the plan attached as Appendix 1 to these minutes, be designated as consent streets within the meaning of Schedule 4 to the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, and that this designation comes into force on 16 March 2016; and

RECOMMENDED:

(a)             That, subject to an agreement being entered into under recommendation (b) below, and the making of a Traffic Regulation Order in relation to part of St Johns Street and The Promenade, all the Council’s functions under paragraphs 7 and 9 of Schedule 4 to the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 be delegated to Hythe and Dibden Parish Council in respect of those parts of the High Street, St Johns Street and The Marsh in Hythe which are to be designated as consent streets on 16 March 2016;

(b)             That the Executive Head (Governance and Regulation) be authorised to enter into a written agreement with Hythe and Dibden Parish Council concerning the terms on which the Parish Council is to exercise this delegation; and

(c)             That the Chief Executive, in consultation with the appropriate Executive Head and the Chairman of the General Purposes and Licensing Committee, be authorised to exercise the Council’s powers under the terms of the agreement referred to in  (b) above.

To recommend to the Council that the Pay Policy Statement 2016-17 be approved.

The Committee considered the proposed Pay Policy Statement for 2016-17.

Members noted that the national pay award had yet to be agreed. The Committee would receive a report on this issue in March including how the pay award would affect the Council’s pay scales and budgets. The new national living wage would come into effect on 1 April 2016.

The Committee noted that pay progression for chief officer roles would be based on performance, and not automatic progression through the pay spinal points. A review would shortly take place on pay and reward, and the outcome of this would be brought to the Committee at the end of the year.

With regard to the Returning Officer’s fees and expenses, members were informed that the Returning Officer received separate payments for the responsibilities attached to the conduct of elections. Fees for national elections were fixed nationally and were borne by the Government. The fees for elections within Hampshire were set by a Hampshire wide working party. These fees would be submitted to the Committee at their meeting in March.

The Committee recommended the Pay Policy Statement 2016-17 for approval.

RECOMMENDED:

That the Pay Policy Statement 2016-17 as set out in Appendix 2 to these minutes be approved.

To consider the review of the Statement of Principles – Taxi Licensing.

The Committee considered the responses to the consultation on the review of the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Statement of Principles together with the Licensing Officer’s appraisal of these.

Members discussed the Council’s taxi driver application process in light of the comments received. Members recognised the complications that would arise if changes to the application or test processes were made, and considered that the current arrangement should remain. 

The licensing of vehicles that did not conform to the current policy such as hybrid cars and electric cars was considered. Members requested that the Licensing Officer submit a report on this matter to the next meeting, including the accessibility of alternative vehicles, and the availability of charging points. 

The Chairman, as the Council’s representative on the Hampshire Police and Crime Panel, reported on the recent work of the Panel that might impact on the work of this committee. This included anti-terrorism, child exploitation and human trafficking/modern slavery and he questioned whether these should be covered in the taxi driver awareness training. It was agreed that issue be revisited if the Police and Crime Panel considered that the taxi trade should be involved.

RESOLVED:

(a)        That the following amendments to the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Statement of Principles be agreed: -

(i)               Late or Delayed Renewals – the policy be amended to allow the issue of a temporary licence for a period of one month – where renewal applications have been made in good time but are subject to undue delay caused by the DBS or DVLA; and

(ii)              Sub-Contracted Bookings – a new condition to be included on the Private Hire Operators’ Licence requiring operators to notify the hirer when their booking has been sub-contracted to another operator. The condition will require the operator with whom the booking has been made to provide the name and contact details of the sub-contracted private hire operator;

(b)        That a report on applications for vehicles that do not conform to the policy be brought to the March 2016 meeting of this Committee.

To comment to the Cabinet on the Medium Term Financial Plan 2016 – 2017.

Members considered the medium term financial plan and annual budget for 2016/17 insofar as it related to the Committee. Members had no comments to make.

RESOLVED:

                        That the Cabinet be advised that the Committee has no comments to make on the 2016/17 base budget for the service areas falling within the terms of reference of this Committee.

To approve the fees and charges for 2016/17.

            Members considered the fees and charges for 2017/17 for the services which were the responsibility of the General Purposes and Licensing Committee.

Members had no comments to make.

Recommended:

                        That the fees and charges for 2016/17, as set out in Appendix 3 to these minutes be approved.