Agenda and minutes

1  To highlight reports or appendices which officers have identified as containing exempt information, and where officers consider that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, for the reasons outlined in the report.

2  To consider whether or not to accept the officers recommendation in respect of the above information.

3  If so, to formally pass the following resolution:-

  RESOLVED – That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of those parts of the agenda designated as containing exempt information on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the press and public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information

RESOLVED – That the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following part of the agenda designated as exempt on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information so designated as follows:-

Appendices  C and D to the report referred to in minute 25 under the terms of 

Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(7) and on the grounds that it contains information pertaining to any action previously taken, or action to be taken, in connection with the prevention, investigation or prosecution of crime.

To identify items which have been admitted to the agenda by the Chair for consideration

(The special circumstances shall be specified in the minutes)

There were no formal Late Items of business. The Panel was however in receipt of additional information (Appendix C containing exempt information) relating to the appeal which was tabled at the meeting.

To declare any personal/prejudicial interests for the purpose of Section 81(3) of the Local Government Act 2000 and paragraphs 8 to 12 of the Members Code of Conduct

There were no declarations of interest

There were no formal apologies for absence as not all Members of the Panel were required due to the nature of the business to be transacted.

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) on the background of an appeal against an officer decision to refuse to grant a Contract Escort Permit to an applicant

(Report attached)

Please note that Appendices C and D of the report are marked exempt under Access to Information Rule 10.4 (7)

The Panel convened to hear one appeal against an officer decision to refuse the grant of a Contract Escort Permit required to carry out work for Passenger Transport Services. The report contained copies of the Taxi and Private Hire guidance booklet and LCC tender document which were referred to during the application process.

Members also received Appendix C of the report at the hearing which included a copy of the appellants’ Criminal Records Bureau check and letters submitted by the appellant.

The Panel heard submissions from the representative of the Taxi & Private Hire Licensing Section and from the appellant.

The Panel initially felt they could not make a decision based on the material presented and adjourned the hearing until such time the appellants’ prospective employer could attend.

The Panel reconvened later the same day. Members heard representation from the appellants’ prospective employer and prospective colleague. Members then heard from the representative of Passenger Transport Services and again from the Taxi & Private Hire Licensing Section.

RESOLVED – That the appeal be upheld.

Members approved the grant of a Contract Escort Permit for a period of 12 months only.

The Panel took the opportunity to remind the appellant of the serious nature of the matters discussed and advised that her case would not be viewed favourably should she re-appear before the Panel again.