Agenda and minutes

To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting held on 22 June 2015 (to be laid on the table half an hour before the meeting).

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 22 June 2015 were confirmed and signed.

To receive apologies for absence and to report any substitutions

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Anna James and Bob Upton.  Cllrs Maurice Byham and Carole King attended as substitutes.

To receive from members declarations of interest in relation to any items included on the agenda for this meeting, in accordance with the Waverley Code of Local Government Conduct.

There were no interests declared.

There are no matters falling within this category.

The background papers relating to the following item are as set out in the report included in the original agenda papers.

The report enables the Sub-Committee to consider a request to continue to license a vehicle as a Hackney Carriage which will be more than ten years old.  The Council policy states that, once licensed, a vehicle may continue to be licensed up to the 10th anniversary of first registration.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the Sub-Committee gives consideration to the request to renew the hackney carriage vehicle licence in respect of this vehicle, plate number 191, beyond the vehicle’s 10th anniversary of registration.

The Sub-Committee considered a request to continue to license a vehicle as a Hackney Carriage which would be more than ten years old.  The Council policy states that, once licensed, a vehicle may continue to be licensed up to the 10th anniversary of first registration.  The vehicle, a Toyota Avensis Estate D4D T Spirit, was first registered with the DVLA on 1 September 2005.

The owner of the vehicle, Mr Doodson was present at the meeting and explained to the Sub-Committee that he was requesting an exception to the policy for his current vehicle because he was in the process of retiring to Dorset.  His current plate was due to expire on 31 August 2015 but Mr Doodson was asking for an extension in case his plans did not come to fruition prior to this date.

The Sub-Committee told Mr Doodson that the Council’s policy was absolutely clear on the matter and that exceptions to policy could only be made for compelling reasons.  The Sub-Committee took into account the particular personal circumstances of Mr Doodson and recognised that his imminent retirement was an important consideration for the extended licensing of the vehicle.

RESOLVED  that, as an exception to the policy, the Hackney Carriage vehicle licence (Plate No.191) be extended for six months from its current date of expiry (i.e. until 29 February 2016) or such earlier date if Mr Doodson should move out of the borough.

[NB Mr Doodson was reminded of the need to advise officers within seven days of any change of address].