Issue - meetings

The Committee received an update on the work of the Council’s Public Protection and Environmental Health Services (PPS) where there was a connection with businesses and persons who required a licence from the Council. It also provided an update for Members on national policy changes and proposals affecting licencing work.

Operations Stay Safe

Licensing officers joined force with Lancashire Police and BwD Children’s Services as part of operation Staysafe on Friday 9 September, in direct response to concerns raised by the trade about stone throwing incidents where youths are targeting licensed vehicles. Whilst there were no incidents of stone throwing that evening, 5 licensed private hire vehicles were noted as failing to display private hire signage in accordance with their licence conditions and were issued with warning letters.

Officer Revocations

In the past 3 months 3 drivers have had their hackney/private hire drivers’ licences revoked by officers for issues which needed immediate action.

Appeal results

Since the last Licensing Committee members were informed that an appeal against the decision of a general licensing sub-committees to revoke private hire vehicle driver licences had concluded. The Magistrates Court agreed with the decision made by the Licensing Sub-Committee and awarded costs against the driver of £300. There are 2 appeals currently going through the court process.

Blackburn with Darwen Taxi Forum meeting

At July’s meeting of the Taxi Forum a report back was given of the review into the Council’s arrangements for MOT testing of hackney carriages and private hire vehicles. The recommendation of the review was to keep the in-house provision in place.

Noise nuisance from licensed premises

The Environmental Protection Team have been involved in investigations into complaints about noise disturbance at 6 venues. Work continues to try to resolve the problems for affected nearby residents.

 Routine work carried out

The following table provides figures on some of the key work carried out from 1 July 2022 to 30 September 2022.

Taxi Trade Tax Checks

Members were informed that mandatory tax checks were implemented in April 2022 for all taxi and private hire licence holders in England and Wales.

Since early September HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) had been writing to taxi drivers using taxi booking apps giving 30 days to respond and declare their income or face an investigation into their tax affairs. For all new applicants for licences the Council’s licensing service application form required a declaration to be made that the applicant is aware of the content of HMRC guidance relating to tax registration obligations.

RESOLVED – The update be noted