Agenda and minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 5 December 2023 were submitted and approved, and the Chair was authorised to sign them as a correct record. 

Apologies for absence had been received from Councillors Colin Belsey, Andy Collins, and Penny di Cara. Absence was noted from Councillor Anita Mayes.

Councillor Goodyear declared a personal interestin relation to Agenda Item 8, Review of the Licensing Act 2003 Eastbourne Borough Council Statement of Licensing Policy, as he was Trustee of the Leaf Hall Trust, which had a licence.  Councillor Williams declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 8 as a Trustee of the Towner, Eastbourne, which also had a licence.

On matters not already included on the agenda and for which prior written notice has been given (total time allowed 15 minutes).

There were none. 

The Chair to notify the Committee of any items of urgent business to be added to the agenda.

There were none. 

The Chair to report any requests received to address the Committee from a member of the public or from a Councillor in respect of an item listed below and to invite the Committee to consider taking such items at the commencement of the meeting.

One spokesperson is permitted to speak for 3 minutes and must register by 12noon on Thursday, 11^th January 2024. Email: committees@lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk

Note: Normally only one speaker is allowed to address the Committee on an item for three minutes and that one person should act as spokesperson for the group. No more than one speaker can be allowed except in exceptional circumstances with prior agreement of the Chair at the registration deadline.

There were none. 

The Committee considered the report of the Chief Executive which sought to support the transition to lower and zero emission vehicles.

Members supported the proposal to encourage the trade to move to electric or hybrid vehicles. It was recognised that there was a need for the number of rapid charging points to be increased in the borough. Members also requested  clarification between rapid and fast charging, which were terms use in the officer’s report.

The RSL explained that the proposal was to remove the current 15 year age limit for low, hybrid, ultra low and zero emission vehicles and explained that the certification to confirm the vehicle had met its emission requirements was required as part of the MOT test.

Councillor Ballard proposed approval of the officer recommendation as set out in the report.  This was seconded by Councillor Goodyear.

Resolved (Unanimously):

1)    That the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Guidance be amended so that new and relicensed vehicles defined by the Vehicle Certification Agency as low, hybrid, ultra-low or zero emission vehicles shall be age exempt.

The Committee considered the report of the Chief Executive to consider the Licensing Act 2003 Eastbourne Borough Council Statement of Licensing Policy, which was reviewed every five years, and to agree a six-week public consultation.

Appended to the report at Appendix 1 was the Eastbourne Borough Council current Statement of Licensing Policy 2019-2024 and at Appendix 2, the proposed amended Statement of Licensing Policy 2024-2029.

The Regulatory Services Lead (RSL) presented the report, highlighting suggested changes to the Guidance.

Councillor Parker proposed that the Committee agree the officer recommendations as listed in the report.  This was seconded by Councillor Lamb.

RESOLVED (Unanimously):

1.    To authorise the Senior Specialist Advisor to start a six-week consultation with the public, trade and interested bodies; and

2.    To agree that following the consultation period the Lead for Regulatory Services, in conjunction with the Chair of the Licensing Committee, be delegated to consider the consultation responses and make any minor changes to the Eastbourne Borough Council Statement of Licensing Policy and then recommend the same to Full Council for approval. That in the event of substantial changes being suggested by the consultation a report be brought back to a Licensing Committee.

Additional meetings of the Committee will be scheduled as and when required.

Any additional meetings of the Committee would be scheduled as and when required.