Agenda item

Purpose:

To set out the work of the Licensing Committee, Licensing Sub-Committee and Licensing Service in 2024/25.

To explain the context of providing Licensing functions through the Public Protection Partnership (PPP).

To provide an update on the electric taxi vehicle remittance scheme.

Julia O'Brien introduced the West Berkshire Council Licensing Annual Report 2024/25 (Agenda Item 4).

Councillor Stephanie Steevenson enquired into the enforcement strategies of the Licensing Team, and Mark Groves outlined work with the Immigration Service and Thames Valley Police, specifically operations in the Thatcham and Hungerford areas, regarding illegal immigrants. Moira Fraser noted the reliance on community feedback from Ward Members, Parish Councils and residents, and the big campaign about underage sales.

The Vice-Chairman queried the frequency of enforcement notices, and Mark Groves stated it was around once a month.

Councillor Nigel Foot sought clarification on the enforcement of those who hired illegal immigrants. Mark Groves detailed the team’s collaboration with the Home Office Border Force Team, who invited officers along to various premises, from restaurants to nail bars, noting potential licence reviews for establishments employing individuals without work rights, and potential penalties.

Councillor Tom McCann requested the number of people identified through investigations into illegal immigration, and whether the Council publicised businesses acting in such a way. Mark Groves stated that the Home Office held the figures, but due to their sensitive nature they were not available to the Committee. Moira Fraser added that any cases prosecuted in the courts that resulted in a guilty verdict would be put out as a press release and on social media.

Councillor Clive Taylor questioned why there was only a three month period for underage sales statistics, and Moira Fraser explained that data collection began in December when they employed an underage sales officer.

Councillor Paul Kander queried licence removal for repeat offenders, and Julia O'Brien confirmed that licences could be removed by Trading Standards, the Licensing Team and the Licensing Sub-Committee.

Councillor Kander asked what was required to take a licence to review, and Julia O'Brien responded that it depended on the offence and circumstances.

The Vice-Chairman enquired about past licence removals, and Moira Fraser mentioned a past case in Thatcham and licence transfers; however, it was noted that it was an extremely rare occurrence.

The Vice-Chairman suggested a meeting between the Chairman and key officers to ensure serious offences were brought to  Members’ attention more often.

Councillor Steevenson noted the lack of uplift in statutory licensing fees, and Julia O'Brien confirmed ongoing efforts to address the issue, having written to the Secretary of State, which was still awaiting a response.

Councillor Steevenson enquired about public registers on page 38 of the agenda. Julia O'Brien explained the plan to implement the new database system, with a target of six months, pending data protection checks. The Vice-Chairman challenged the six-month timeframe and encouraged officers to bring this target forward.

Councillor Billy Drummond questioned whether residents ever chose the slow EV charging points, and Moira Fraser explained this was data held by the Environmental Team and offered to investigate.

Councillor Phil Barnett asked about the upcoming Terrorism Protection Act, and Julia O'Brien stated that clear guidance was awaited on where areas of responsibility would fall. However, it was closely monitored by officers in readiness for if/when it came through to them for action.

Councillor Martha Vickers highlighted the Community Alcohol Partnership as a positive aspect and asked how involved the Council was with this scheme. Moira Fraser detailed the PPP's involvement and funding in the group, as well as educational efforts in schools.

Councillor Drummond proposed to accept officers' recommendations, which was seconded by Councillor Steevenson.

The proposal was put to the vote and the Licensing Committee RESOLVED to approve the Annual Report 2024/25 as set out in Appendix A.