Basingstoke & Dean Borough Council Licensing Committee Meeting

Councillor Tom was replaced by Councillor Tustain.

Apologies were received from Councillors Edwards and Putty.

There were no declarations of interest.

There were no urgent matters. 

Councillor Taylor was appointed as the Vice-Chair of the Licensing Committee for the municipal year 2023/24.

The minutes of the meeting held on 17 April 2023 were confirmed by the Committee as a correct record and signed by the chair.

The Licensing Team Leader introduced the report, which presented an in-depth review of the licensing fees and charges for 2024/25, with the proposed new changes which would come into effect from 1 April 2024, subject to Council approval in March 2024. This included the Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle and Operator fees and charges to be advertised in accordance with Section 70 Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.

The Committee discussed the report and made the following comments:

• It was queried as to why there wasn’t an increase in the charge for Gambling Licenses. The Licensing Team Leader clarified that these fees were charged by statute under the Gambling Act 2005.
• Observed the division of subcommittee fees across all licence holders.

Resolved: The Committee:

• Approves the licensing fees and charges as set out in Appendix 1, which will apply from 1 April 2024.

·         Approves for consultation Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle and Operator fees and charges set out in schedule 1 to be advertised in accordance with Section 70 Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.

The Chair introduced the work programme and gave a brief overview of the items that would be included on the agenda for the upcoming meetings.

The Licensing Team Leader informed the Committee that a new Hackney Carriage and Private Hire policy would be presented in February, and that the Licensing Team had been in discussion with the taxi trade.

The Licensing Team Leader stated that the report on Tables and Chairs Pavement Licenses would not be brought forward in February.

The Committee discussed whether further training could take place on premises licence hearings, particularly regarding large festivals. The Senior Licensing Officer stated that further information would be added to the Annual Licensing Training.