Agenda item

Paul Thornton, Senior Licensing Officer, introduced the report to seek the Committee’s views about adding a condition to Mid Sussex District Council’s Taxi Licensing Policy whereby attendance at Disability Awareness and Equality Act Training is compulsory for all current and new private hire and hackney carriage and forms part of the ‘fit and proper person’ test.  The Officer advised that Disability Awareness and Equality Act Training is not mandatory and a driver had recently been prosecuted for failing to take an assistance dog; there were also other cases under investigation.  He advised that it is a problem with a minority of drivers but training would enhance driver’s awareness of the public and the law.  A small scoping exercise had been completed with an external company and the cost to driver could be £30. Both current and new drivers would have 12 months to complete the training; the Licensing Team would provide the trainer’s details to the drivers who would provide evidence of course completion to the Licensing Team.  He advised that one national company is interested in providing the course along with other companies so wide courage could be provided. 

A Member felt that this was a good idea as the Licensing Sub-Committee A had wanted to suggest a Disability Awareness course to a driver but could not provide a suitable course.

A Member suggested that new drivers complete the course before applying for a licence but existing drivers have 12 months for completion.  However, the Senior Licensing Officer advised that course availability might be a problem; if a company can run several courses a year it might be viable.   In response to drivers having a shorter time to complete the course, the Senior Licensing Officer advised that without reference to the course provider and number of courses possible it might put pressure on the Licensing Team.  The Policy could be revised at a later date.  A Member asked whether refresher courses would be required but the Officer advised that there were no plans at this stage. 

The Solicitor for Licensing informed the Committee that any change in Police or decision made by the Council is subject to Judicial Review. Any challenge under Judical Review needs to be made within three months of any change. Once the Policy has been brought into force there then cannot be a legal challenge against decisions made in line with that Policy 

In reply to a question the Senior Licensing Officer stated that the training would be required for both Hackney Carriage and Private Hire drivers.

A Member queried how the public know vehicles can take disabled passengers.  The Senior Licensing Officer advised that those vehicles have a wheelchair symbol on the licence plate and they are normally multipurpose vehicles.  The Member responded that the symbol should be more prominent.  The Officer advised the comment had been noted and could be added later. 

A Member commented that they were happy for the policy to go to the Scrutiny Committee but subject to the revisions discussed.

The Chairman noted no more Members wished to speak so moved the Committee to the recommendation which was unanimously agreed subject to minor revisions.

RESOLVED

The Committee agreed that subject to minor revisions the policy would be forwarded to the Scrutiny Committee for Community, Housing and Planning to consider endorsing a change in the Taxi Licensing Policy.