Agenda item

To consider a report by the Head of Elections, Licensing and Registration provides an update of the developments and improvements to the Taxi and Private Hire service over the past 6 months.

(Report attached)

The Head of Elections, Licensing and Registration submitted a report which provided an update of the developments and improvements to the Taxi and Private Hire service over the past 6 months.

The Executive Officer, Taxi and Private Hire Licensing presented the report and spoke in detail about the following initiatives:

·  Digitising the service

·  Email management

·  Telephone enquiries

·  Face to face visits

·  Web pages and digital

·  Resources

·  Wi-fi

·  ICT systems

·  Workplace

Referring to the digitising of the service, the Executive Officer said good progress was been made, temporary resources were being utilised to assist with the scanning of files. It was report that once the file had been digitised, the paper copy was archived or disposed of creating additional space within the Taxi & Private Hire Licensing facility.

The Executive Officer said temporary resources would be in place for the next 6 months at which point a review of the permanent staff would be undertaken.

Addressing the issue of telephone enquiries and face to face visits, Officers reported that the intention was to promote the online booking system to reduce telephone calls and walk in enquiries.

Members requested if consideration could be given to the provision of a

Multi-faith room/ prayer room at the Torre Road Offices, drivers had made this request to Members on a number of occasions.

In responding the Executive Officer said that following the completion of workplace changes an impact assessment would be carried out and due consideration would be given to the provision multi-faith room/ prayer room.

On the issue of workplace changes Members referred to the outside space and in particular the untidy state of the landscaped area and requested if something could be done to improve the area.

In responding the Executive Officer accepted the area was in an untidy state suggesting that previous demolition works may have contaminated the land with asbestos. The issue would be looked into further with a view to improving the appearance of the area.

The Chair referred to the consequence of de-regulation and the issue of drivers operating in the Leeds area but who were licensed by other authorities.

In responding the Head of Elections, Licensing and Registration said

de-regulation had seen an increase in drivers licensed by other authorities operating in the Leeds area under sub-contracting arrangements, it was a concern but the West Yorkshire and York authorities were now beginning to collaborate and share driver information.

It was also reported that a number of joint operations involving enforcement officers from other authorities had recently taken place in Leeds focusing on drivers licensed outside Leeds. Further joint operations were planned.

Clarification was sought as to whether a driver having their licence suspended was insured.

Officers confirmed that if the licence was suspended this would invalidate the driver’s motor insurance.

Members expressed concern at the consequences of de-regulation and the issues it raised

It was suggested that a letter expressing this Committee’s concerns at the consequences of de-regulation be sent to the appropriate Minister responsible together with all Leeds Members of Parliament and the Local Government Association (LGA)

In summing up the Chair said that Members appeared to be supportive of a letter being sent to the appropriate Minister responsible, expressing this Committee concern at the consequences of de-regulation.

RESOLVED –

(i)  That the contents of the report be noted

(ii)  That a letter expressing this Committee’s concerns at the consequences of de-regulation be sent to the appropriate Minister responsible together with all Leeds Members of Parliament and the Local Government Association (LGA)