Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence had been received from Councillor R D Feldman, the Chair of the Panel. Councillor Wilson agreed to Chair this meeting at the request of Councillor Feldman.

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 30 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. A letter submitted by the appellant was also tabled for consideration by the Panel.

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.

To consider the report of the Director of Legal, Licensing and Registration on an appeal against an officer decision to refuse to grant a Contract Escort Permit.

This appeal was adjourned from a hearing on 5^th January 2010 due to the bad weather.

(Report attached)

Please Note that Appendices C and D of the report are marked exempt under Access to Information Procedure 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 received Appendix C of the report at the hearing which included a copy of the appellants’ Criminal Records Bureau check. A letter submitted by the appellant to officers during the application process was also tabled for reference.

The Panel heard firstly the submissions from the representative of LCC Taxi & Private Hire Licensing Section and LCC Passenger Services. Members then heard from the appellant and the appellants’ prospective employer.

RESOLVED – That the appeal be upheld. Members approved the grant of a Contract Escort Permit.

The Panel took the opportunity to emphasise the serious nature of the matters discussed to the appellant and expressed their hope that she would justify the trust of the Panel in the future.