Agenda and minutes

Cllrs Frampton, Wade and Mrs Wyeth

The Chairman reported with deep regret that following a long illness, Cllr Mrs Beeton had passed away that morning. The Committee passed on their condolences to Mrs Beeton’s family at this sad time. The Committee observed a two minute silence.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 8 September 2017 as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 8 September 2017 be signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

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 recommend to the Council that the Pay Policy Statement 2018-19 be approved.

The Committee considered the proposed Pay Policy Statement for 2018-19.

The Employers side had nationally offered a two year pay deal which included a lowest hourly rate of £8.50 and 2% rise on all other spine points with effect from April 2018. A further 2% had been offered from April 2019 with a lowest hourly rate of £9 per hour. Currently this offer had not been accepted.

As this Council had already made amendments to the lower salary scales last year, the Council was in a good position to meet the increase in pay at the lower end of the salary scales.

The Committee approved the proposed pay statement as set out in the Appendix to the Report. It was also agreed that any amendments, following the national pay agreement be included in the Pay Policy Statement, without further reference to the Committee for consideration.

RECOMMENDED:

(a)             That the Pay Policy Statement 2018/19 as set out in Appendix 1 to these minutes be approved; and

(b)             That any amendments to the Pay Policy Statement following the agreement of the national pay settlement be agreed by the Cabinet and Council, without further reference to the Committee.

To advise members on the timeline for the review of the Council’s Taxi Licensing Policy.

The Committee considered a proposal to review the Council’s private hire and hackney carriage licensing policy, including a suggested timetable for the review. The aim was for an updated policy to be adopted by full Council on 10 December 2018.

The Committee requested that Officers give consideration to any updates in national guidance and legislation relating to equality and diversity, safeguarding and cross boarder issues for inclusion in the updated policy.

The Chairman of the Committee also requested that Officers review the Driver Knowledge Test to include hazard awareness issues that were pertinent to the New Forest, such as ponies and livestock on the road.

Members of the Committee were invited to email Licensing Services should they have any suggestions for amendments or new issues for inclusion in the new policy.

RESOLVED:

That the timetable for the review of the private hire and hackney carriage licensing policy as set out in paragraph 3.1 in the report to the Committee be approved.