To approve as a correct record the minutes of the Licensing Committee meeting held on 28 September 2021.

The minutes of the Licensing Committeeheld on 28 September 2021 were approved as a correct record subject.

To receive additional items that the Chair is of the opinion should be considered as a matter of urgency, in accordance with Section 100B (4) (b) of the Local Government Act 1972

There were no items of Urgent Business.

There were no declarations of interest.

The Licencing Manager presented the report as outlined within the agenda on pages 11 to 24.

The Chair of the Committee enquired as to whether sound recording would be available as part of the CCTV, as he felt this would be useful should a case be brought before a Sub-Committee. The Licencing Manager explained that sound recording was not permissible however within most taxis there was a panic button which could be used, if required in an emergency.

During discussions Members queried the cost of supplying such equipment and whether this would be chargeable to the taxi trade. It was explained that at present should a taxi driver have CCTV recording within their vehicle they were currently the data controller and would be responsible for the cost of the recording device. The Licencing Manager continued by explaining if the use of CCTV was to be part of the Council’s policy, then the Council became the data controller and with that cloud based software would be used to store data, on top of this devices would be required to be encrypted to allow maximum security and confidentiality.

It was queried as to whether there would be an ongoing cost of retention of the data from the CCTV devices, should the Council have the responsibility open the data controller. It was further asked how long the data was to be retained for. The Licencing Manager commented in addition to the costs for each unit there would be additional annual cost to the Council to maintain and administer the system as well as an additional staffing resource requirement within the Licensing Team of up to one full time post.

Councillor Maney enquired as to why the Council would be the data controller should Members agree to having CCTV as part of the taxi licencing policy. The Licencing Manager explained the statutory guidance was very clear in that should CCTV be made mandatory within Hackney carriage and Private Hire vehicles then Local Authorities were to be the data controller.

Councillor Sammons highlighted her concern as to the cost to the taxi trade should CCTV within taxi vehicles be made mandatory, especially following COVID-19 from which the trade were still struggling. The Licencing Manager sympathised agreeing that the local taxi trade was struggling to recruit following COVID-19 and any additional cost to them would be difficult.

Councillor Snell commented perhaps the installation and use of CCTV within vehicles could be beneficial for many taxi companies. He queried as to whether the Council would be able to offer incentives to companies who installed CCTV devices into vehicles themselves and would therefore be the data controller. The Licencing Manager advised that unfortunately there was no budget at present to offer an incentive to local taxi companies, however it was something which could be discussed with the Community Partnership Group.

Members enquired as to whether the Council would be offering training on GDPR should taxi companies or individual taxi licence holders install CCTV devices. The Licencing Manager advised  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

The Licencing Manager presented the report outlined within the agenda on pages 25 to 41.

During discussions it was mentioned there was a lack of charging points within the borough. The Licencing Manager explained that most electric vehicles on a full charge could travel 300 miles and that taxi companies would manage jobs, knowing where charging points within the borough were. He continued by stating there were several charging points within Thurrock and regarding this the borough was in a good position. Members heard how by agreeing to amend the Private Hire Vehicle pre- licencing standards to include electric vehicles as outlined within the report, would allow taxi companies with such vehicle’s immense flexibility.

Councillor Liddiard stated he felt this was a good opportunity and should be encouraged. He continued by commenting the use of electric vehicles and the amendment of the Pre-Licensing Standard would  raise the Council’s overall Licencing Standards.

Councillor Maney stated he was pleased with the recommendation and that if agreed it would enable taxi companies to give passengers more choice when responding to calls.

Councillor Snell agreed with Councillor Maney and commentated that perhaps the Council should look at not only the use of electric vehicles but also smart cars for example. The Licencing Manager stated if this was the case taxi companies would have to have a range of adequate vehicles, so too meet the needs of all passengers be them single commuters or a family.

RESOLVED:

That the Licensing Committee agrees to amend the Private Hire Vehicle Pre-Licensing Standards to include the electric vehicle section as in section 3.3 of the report.