Agenda item

Julia O’Brien introduced the report, outlining that the purpose was to agree the timetable and methodology for consulting on protected plates, as previously discussed at the December meeting. She explained that the consultation would last seven weeks, which was slightly longer than usual due to the Easter period, and would include questions regarding respondents' awareness of protected plates and their relevance.

Members queried whether there were any groups or parts of the local community missing from the list of consultees. Officers responded that the consultation would be as wide as possible, and confirmed that the trade, residents, and taxi users would be consulted. Officers noted the challenge of engaging with the disabled community due to the disbandment of the local disability awareness forum, but assured Members that efforts would be made to gather their views.

The Chairman suggested national charities that focussed on wheelchair access and related issues should also be consulted to ensure a comprehensive perspective.

Members asked whether there was data on the number of protected plates year on year, specifically whether the number was decreasing. The Chairman referred to item 4.6 of the report, which stated that 35 Hackney Carriage licenses were affected, and queried historical figures. Officers confirmed that the number was decreasing, recalling that there were originally 80 or 90 such licenses, but they did not have precise historical data.

Members highlighted the difficulty of engaging with disability groups, particularly those who may not use online platforms. Members suggested utilising community engagement forums such as “Lets Talk” to reach vulnerable residents. Officers agreed and confirmed that hardcopies of the consultation would be taken to these events across various localities.

Members raised the potential impact of future Local Government Reorganisation. Officers confirmed that policy alignment would be necessary for all Council Policies if this occurred.

Members recommended that Officers contact the West Berkshire Learning Disability Partnership, coordinated by Alex Kaardal at the volunteer centre, to further engage with the disabled community. Councillor Nigel Foot offered to provide contact details to Officers.

Members sought clarification on whether the consultation would address both protected plates and accessibility as separate issues, expressing concern that combining them might inadvertently affect broader taxi policy. Officers clarified that while the issues were related, there would be a single consultation, with distinct questions to capture the views of both the trade and the disabled community.

Councillor Stephanie Steevenson, as the Council’s representative on the Learning Disability Partnership Board, confirmed her willingness to assist with consultation and noted that the Board’s members were not necessarily wheelchair users.

The Chairman requested that officers provide further information on the requirements of the Equality Act 2010, best practice, and government requirements, as well as the potential impact on trade in the outcome report which would be brought to the next Licensing Committee meeting.

Actions:

• National Charities focussed on wheelchair access and related issues be consulted to ensure a comprehensive perspective.
• Community engagement forums to be utilised to reach vulnerable residents, with hardcopies of the consultation to be taken to events across various localities
• Councillor Nigel Foot to provide contact details for West Berkshire Learning Disability Partnership to officers.
• Councillor Stephanie Steevenson to assist with consultation of the Learning Disability Partnership Board.
• Officers to provide further information on the requirements of the Equality Act 2010, best practice, and government requirements, as well as the potential impact on trade.

Resolved: That the Licensing Committee:

2.1        AGREEDthat the ‘protected plate’ consultation on Hackney Carriage vehicles be carried out as described in paragraph 5 of the report.

2.2      AGREED that the results of the consultation be brought back to the next meeting of the Licensing Committee where Members will consider amendments in respect of protected plates, if any are needed, as set out in the current policy including any implementation dates.