The Licensing & Public Protection Committee of Newcastle-under-Lyme Council met on Tuesday 11 June 2024 to discuss several key issues, including the permanent implementation of the Pavement Licensing regime, proposed increases to taxi tariffs, and amendments to the Taxi Licensing Policy regarding tinted windows.

Pavement Licensing - Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023

The committee discussed the Pavement Licensing regime, initially introduced during the Covid pandemic and now made permanent with amendments under the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023. The Licensing Administration Team Manager presented the report, and the Deputy Leader expressed support for the proposal. Councillor J. Williams inquired about the costs involved, and it was suggested that the new fee be set at £216, within the legislative range of £0 to £500. Councillor Hutchison asked for clarification on the license period, which was confirmed to be two years, with a renewal fee of £158 for an additional two years.

The committee resolved to:

1. Note the contents of the report.
2. Agree to the proposed amended standard conditions for all licences.
3. Approve the proposed fees for new and renewal applications.
4. Agree to the proposed standard licence period.

Taxi Tariffs - Proposed Increase

The committee reviewed a report on the proposed increase to taxi tariffs, requested by the Hackney Carriage Trade Association. The Licensing Administration Team Manager explained the details, including a proposal to change Tariff 2's start time from midnight to 10pm. Councillor G. Williams raised concerns about shift workers, and Councillor Brown supported the proposal, noting the difficulty in balancing interests. Councillor Adcock asked for background on the changes in night times, and Councillor Hutchison sought clarification on where the tariffs would apply.

The Deputy Leader proposed amending the start time for Tariff 2 to 11pm instead of 10pm, which was seconded by Councillor G. Williams and approved unanimously.

The committee resolved to:

1. Approve the proposed variation of the Table of metered fares charged by Hackney Carriages.
2. Approve the proposed Table of metered fares to be advertised and implemented in line with statutory provisions.
3. Send the Table of metered fares to Cabinet for ratification following the consultation period.
4. Amend the proposed start time for Tariff 2 from midnight to 11pm.

Amendment of Taxi Licensing Policy Provisions in Relation to Tinted Windows

The committee discussed the proposed amendment to the Taxi Licensing Policy regarding tinted windows. The Licensing Administration Team Manager and Assistant Transport Manager provided insights, noting that tinted windows reduce the need for air conditioning. Councillors G. and J. Williams supported factory-fitted tinted windows but disapproved of aftermarket blackout windows. Councillor Adcock asked if aftermarket tints could pass the test, and Councillor Hutchison supported allowing factory-made tints to pass.

The committee resolved to amend the current condition in the taxi policy to allow all vehicles to have factory-fitted tinted and privacy glass in the rear passenger windows, excluding aftermarket tinting.

Minutes of Public Protection Sub-Committee Meetings

The committee received and resolved to accept the minutes of the Public Protection Sub-Committee meeting held on 13 March 2024.

Disclosure of Exempt Information

The committee resolved to exclude the public from the meeting during the consideration of certain matters due to the likelihood of disclosing exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 2, and 7 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act, 1972.