The Licensing Committee of Melton Borough Council met on Tuesday 15 September 2026 to review the performance of the licensing team and confirm the minutes of a previous meeting. The committee noted the performance report for the 2025-2026 financial year, which detailed the work undertaken across various licensing areas, including taxis, animal welfare, and invasive beauty treatments. The minutes from the 4 September 2025 meeting were confirmed with a minor amendment.

2025-2026 Performance Report (Taxi and General)

The committee received a comprehensive report on the work of the Licensing Team during the 2025-2026 financial year. The report, presented by Joanne Belcher, Environmental Health and Licensing Manager, highlighted the team's efforts in managing a wide range of licensing and registration activities, with the overarching principle of ensuring public safety and welfare.

In total, 240 licences and registrations were processed by the team. The report detailed performance figures for various areas:

• Taxis and Private Hire: The team processed 51 Hackney carriage and 22 private hire vehicle licences, with average processing times significantly reduced to 1 day and 0.86 days respectively. Driver licence applications also saw a swift turnaround, with 35 processed in an average of 1 day. The report noted that the introduction of 1, 2, or 3-year licences in September 2021 had been welcomed by the trade, though the trade had requested that 1- and 2-year options become routine, which would have cost implications. Private hire operator licences were processed very quickly, with 1 application dealt with on the day of receipt.
• Animal Welfare Licences: 39 animal welfare licences were issued, with an average processing time of 1.4 days. The report indicated that the majority of licensed premises maintained high standards, with over 81% achieving a star rating of 4 or above. Two out of three dangerous wild animal licences were renewed, and the single zoo licence was surrendered, though an enquiry for a new zoo licence was ongoing.
• Invasive and Non-Invasive Treatments: 17 individual registrations for invasive treatments, such as tattooing and semi-permanent makeup, were issued with an average processing time of less than 1 day. Seven registrations for invasive premises were also processed.
• Pavement Licensing: Following legislative changes, the team processed 3 new pavement licence applications, with an average processing time of less than a day.
• Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO): Three HMO licence applications were processed, including one new application, with an average processing time of less than a day.
• Other Licences: The report also covered charity collections, scrap metal dealers, and caravan and camping sites, noting that no caravan and camping site licences were processed in the reporting year. A new area of licensing was introduced with one application for a permit to perform hypnotism, which was granted.

The report also detailed enforcement activities, with 50 complaints received and investigated. Of these, 39 related to taxi licensing, a significant increase from previous years, and 8 related to animal welfare. The team had also developed closer working relationships with the Wolverhampton Licensing Team to address complaints about Wolverhampton-plated drivers. Taxi inspections were carried out at the Forbidden Forest music festival, resulting in reports being sent to relevant licensing authorities for three vehicles. A taxi test purchase exercise in Melton found no issues.

Looking ahead, the report highlighted potential changes under the Health Care Act 2022, which proposes a licensing regime for non-surgical cosmetic procedures, and the upcoming implementation of Martyn's Law (Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill), which will strengthen the security of public premises and events.

Councillor Butcher raised several questions regarding Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), clarifying that licensing focuses on the property's fitness and safety, not the occupants. She also inquired about falconry licences, with the Environmental Health and Licensing Manager explaining the welfare and safety considerations for both animals and the public. Councillor Butcher also sought clarification on the registration of invasive beauty treatments, noting that while some, like Botox, are not currently covered by the registration scheme, they are considered under health and safety regulations. Concerns were also raised about the boarding of dangerous dogs at kennels, with Councillor Butcher expressing a desire for neighbours to be notified. The manager explained that while licensed kennels have procedures in place for animal welfare and staff safety, there is no legal requirement to notify neighbours about specific animals being boarded, unless there are statutory nuisance issues like excessive noise.

Councillor Gordon also asked about the specifics of a permit for hypnotism, which was confirmed to be for a stage performance rather than a medical procedure.

Minutes of the Meeting Held on 4 September 2025

The minutes of the previous Licensing Committee meeting held on 4 September 2025 were confirmed. A minor amendment was made to paragraph five concerning wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs). The amended wording clarified that all members agreed on the importance of WAVs, especially for an ageing population, and that their licensing should be free. There had been discussion about whether the WAV requirement should apply to all organisations with more than five vehicles, but the original wording was ultimately accepted. Councillor Pat Cumbers, Chair of the committee, and Councillor Sharon Butcher were the only members present at both meetings.