Agenda item

Report from the Strategic Director for Regeneration and Environment.

Recommendations:

1.    That Cabinet approves the draft policy that should be consulted upon and authorises officers to commence consultation as outlined in this report.

Consideration was given to the report which detailed that in March 2020, the Council introduced a revised Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy.  This Policy built on the previous Policy (introduced in 2015) which was widely seen to be setting the standard for other local authorities to benchmark against in relation to Taxi and Private Hire Licensing.

The 2020 Policy was now due for review and provided an opportunity to ensure that the Council’s approach to Taxi and Private Hire Licensing continued to reflect best practice, addressed local challenges and set standards that would ensure that the standard of licensed driver, vehicle and operator in Rotherham remained high.

The report outlined the key changes being considered and sought approval from Cabinet to commence a period of consultation in relation to these proposals.

The recommendations were then proposed.

The key changes to the policy included out of town vehicles, vehicle age and emissions, disabled access for wheelchair users.

The current policy was recognised as national best practice but a revised policy was required to drive forward and so that the public were kept informed about the services they were receiving.

The Leader confirmed that there would be a substantial piece of public consultation on this policy.

Resolved:

1. That Cabinet approved the draft policy that should be consulted upon and authorised officers to commence consultation as outlined in the report.