Issue - meetings

Report of the Business Compliance Officer

The committee received a report of the Business Compliance Officer which set out the framework of the review of the existing Environmental Health and Licensing Compliance Policy.

          The Business Compliance Officer provided an overview of the committee report and highlighted some of the changes to the existing policy.  It was noted that the policy’s name would be changed to Community Protection Compliance Policy.  He referred to paragraph 6.10.6 which covered the suspension and revocation of licences related to hackney carriage and private hire drivers.  This had been amended to allow for a suspension period longer than two days as set out in the existing policy.  He advised that in paragraph 6.11.2 a ‘Rent Payment Order’ should have read ‘Rent Repayment Order’ and would be amended in the draft version out for consultation.  The consultation would take place from 12 July to 23 August.  A report would be presented to the committee at its next meeting on 30 September for final approval.

          In response to a question about the consultation comments, the Business Compliance Officer advised that all comments would be fully considered.

          Councillor Khan asked about the consultation process and how the taxi trade would be enabled to take part.  He questioned whether translations would be available and if the drivers understood their right to give views.

          The Business Compliance Officer stated that the team would ensure they engaged with the taxi trade and trade associations.  They would be sent information about how they would be able to take part.  He would ensure they were fully aware of the consultation and any potential implications for the trade.  Unfortunately due to the pandemic the team would not be able to do the drop-in sessions, which had been held in previous years.  Surveys had been used on some occasions to ask specific questions, but this method would not be as effective for this consultation.

          In response to a further question from Councillor Khan about wider community consultation, the Business Compliance Officer advised that the consultation would be running for six weeks.  He acknowledged that residents may have some comments about the revised policy.  The initial documents would be ready for consultation from 12 July.  The service would ensure it did everything it could to gather views from everyone. 

          Following a question from Councillor Devonish about the translation of the policy into other languages the Licensing Manager commented that previous versions of this policy had not been translated but other policies had and was something that could be considered.

          The Business Compliance Officer responded to a question from Councillor Feldman about the increase of environmental crimes.  He explained that this policy set out an overarching approach and was not about individual Acts.  The Licensing Manager added that the policy set out all the tools available and the most appropriate would be used to ensure compliance.

          RESOLVED –

          that the Community Protection Compliance Policy 2021-2026, set out at appendix 1 to the report, be approved for public consultation.