Minutes of the meeting held on 14th March, 2024.
RESOLVED – T H A T the minutes of the meeting held on 14th March, 2024 be approved as a correct record.
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RESOLVED – T H A T the minutes of the meeting held on 14th March, 2024 be approved as a correct record.
AGREED – T H A T Group Manager Treherne be thanked for their time and verbal update.
AGREED – (1) T H A T both the Cabinet reference and appended report be noted. (2) T H A T the comments of the Committee, as set out within the meeting minute, be referred back to Cabinet for consideration. Reason for decision (1) Having regard to the contents of both the reference and appended report on the next phase of the Council’s transformational change programme, Reshaping. (2) Having regard to discussion held at the meeting. Minutes - AR
AGREED – T H A T the minutes of the meeting held on 18th January, 2024 be approved as a correct record.
AGREED – T H A T Inspector Childs be thanked for their time and verbal update.
AGREED – (1) T H A T the response report be noted. (2) T H A T a further update report on bus services in the Vale of Glamorgan be presented to Committee in six months’ time, with an invitation extended to the Chief Executive of Cardiff Bus Services to attend the same Committee meeting. Reason for decision (1) Having regard to the contents of the response report on the past, present, and future aspects of local bus services in the Vale of Glamorgan following a request for consideration from Penarth Town Council. (2) To provide further information and context for bus services available within the Vale of Glamorgan at that time.
RESOLVED: That the Chairperson writes to Race to Cardiff on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations captured during the way forward.
RESOLVED – That the report be noted.
RESOLVED – That the report be noted.
RESOLVED: That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations captured during the way forward.
RESOLVED: That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations captured during the way forward.
RESOLVED: That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations captured during the way
RESOLVED: that the Committee 1. Note the correspondence update arising from recent scrutiny meetings. 2. Agree the proposal to commence the Children & Young People Scrutiny Committee’s work programming for 2024/25 3. Consider and agree the draft text for inclusion in the Scrutiny Annual Report 2023/24, attached at Appendix A. 4. Agree to pause the EOTAS Task & Finish Group in the short-term Agree the draft scoping document at Appendix B proposing a deep dive into “Sport for All - Ensuring equality of opportunity for all Cardiff children & young people - Session 1 – Football”
AGREED – T H A T the presentation be forwarded to all Members of the Council and the Third Sector for their information with follow up conversations to be undertaken as reflected in the discussions at the meeting.
AGREED – T H A T the report be noted. Reason for decision Having regard to the report, presentation and comments at the meeting.
AGREED – T H A T the presentation be circulated to all Members of the Council, that further updates on the work of the Section 16 workshops and the Voluntary Sector Compact review be presented to a future meeting of the Committee.
AGREED– T H A T the minutes of the meeting held on 29th January, 2024 be approved as a correct record.
RESOLVED to: 1. note the content of the report and the draft Member Protocol for Accessing Research Support and Information. 2. identify any changes that may be needed to the proposed improvements for using the intranet to enhance access to the research information and support arrangements. 3. agree that wider consultation be undertaken with Members via Group Whips and colleagues prior to the final version of the Member Protocol for Accessing Research Support and Information being submitted to a subsequent meeting of the committee.
RESOLVED to: a. Note the report and the revised draft Elected Member Learning and Development Strategy at Appendix A. b. Confirm that the proposed changes outlined in Paragraph 5 of the report are appropriate and identify any additional changes to the draft strategy. c. Note the proposed arrangements for the consultation, approval and adoption of the Strategy. d. Receive a further report on this matter in due course.
RESOLVED to: a. note the information set out in the report. b. provide their views in respect of any requirements for future training and the improvement of the Members Intranet website.
RESOLVED: To approve the Democratic Services Committee Forward Work Programme.
RESOLVED: Pursuant to this Committee’s delegated powers the following development management applications be determined in accordance with the recommendation set out in the reports of the Director of Planning, Transport and Environment, subject to any further amendments as detailed below and notification be given of the decisions in accordance with Section 70 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 or Section 74 of the Planning (Listed Building & Conservation) Act 1990. APPLICATIONS GRANTED SUBJECT TO ENTERING INTO A BINDING SECTION 106 AGREEMENT: 23/01174/FUL – CATHAYS Friary House, Greyfriars Road, Cathays, Cardiff CF10 3AE Erection of building (up to 28 storeys, including ground) for mixed use purposes, including commercial space (Use Classes A1, A2, A3, B1 and/or D1) (part ground floor) and residential accommodation for students comprised in a combination of cluster flats and studios (Sui Generis) with associated accommodation and works following demolition of existing buildings.
RESOLVED: To note the applications decided using delegated powers between 04.03.24 and 29.03.24
RESOLVED – That the following matters be dealt with as indicated: (1) Application 1 The Sub Committee were asked to determine if a driver remained a fit and proper person to continue to hold a Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Driver’s License given that a complaint had been received alleging that the driver was aggressive, made rude gestures and drove his vehicle in a way as to cause concern. Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver recalled that the parking layout outside Heath Hospital had recently changed, and this had caused some confusion for the public. As taxi drivers they often needed to explain to people where they could park and where they might get a ticket. People were normally very understanding and grateful for the advice but in this case the people he spoke to got aggressive and told him to go away. He was only trying to help but the way they responded made him feel terrible. Addressing the Sub Committee, the witness explained that her recollection of events was very different. She and her son were picking up her husband after major surgery, and her son dropped her off at the entrance before driving off and coming back to pick them up. Her son made sure to go to the designated pick-up point, which was clearly signposted. As he pulled up, the taxi driver got out of his car and started shouting that they couldn’t park there. Her son calmly responded that they would only be 30 seconds, but the driver continued shouting and put his middle finger up at them. He then reversed his car very close to theirs in order to make it difficult for her son to pull out. She wound the window down and said she was going to report him, and he said ‘go ahead’. The driver suggested that the witness had parked in the taxi rank and he was telling them they couldn’t park there. The witness insisted that they had not parked in the taxi rank at any point, and had followed the signs instead. The driver added that his vehicle had a parking sensor and camera so he would not have reversed right up against the complainant’s car as they claimed. Responding to questions from the Sub Committee, he confirmed that the camera did not record video footage. Members queried how the parking system at the hospital worked, which the Licensing Officer clarified was not regulated in the normal way as the taxi rank was not designated by Highways. Instead, there was a private agreement for taxis to be allowed to use certain bays, with a private company issuing tickets when people contravened the signs. It was a notoriously busy area which used a one-way loop to prevent cars pulling into the A&E bays. The Sub Committee discussed the contrasting stories in detail and highlighted the need for taxi drivers operating at a hospital to be especially empathetic and patient with the public, even if they sincerely felt they were doing something wrong. RESOLVED – that the driver receive a written warning. (2) Application 2 The Sub Committee were asked to determine if a driver remained a fit and proper person to continue to hold a Private Hire Driver’s License given that a complaint had been received stating that the driver had notified the authority he had been convicted of a motoring offence CU80 (use of a mobile device while driving). Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver stated he was sitting in stationary traffic with the handbrake on when he took a moment to plug the charging cable into his phone. He didn’t realise that there was a policeman next to him who informed him that he had committed an offence. He had been driving for more than 20 years and never had a single point on his licence before this, and had learnt his lesson and would be much more careful in the future. Responding to questions from the Sub Committee, the driver stated that he hadn’t appealed the penalty because he accepted that he had touched his phone. He didn’t see the point in taking it to court because he had done what he was accused of, and he declared the offence to the council as soon as possible. He added that he had already been punished further for his actions in addition to the initial fine, because his insurance had gone up significantly. The driver’s representative added that while the offence of using a mobile device while driving was a serious one, his vehicle was stationary at the time and he didn’t have any passengers, meaning that he wasn’t actually causing any risk to other road users. However, it was an offence, and he had accepted his punishment. The representative suggested that the driver had been punished enough already, and that his spotless prior record and clear remorse should be taken into account. He was an honest and reliable driver who would never make a mistake like this again. RESOLVED – that the driver receive a written warning. (3) Application 3 The Sub Committee were asked to determine if a driver remained a fit and proper person to continue to hold a Private Hire Driver’s License given that the driver reported to the licensing office that he had his DVLA licence revoked due to accumulating speeding points over a short duration of time, and that his licence was within 2 years from first grant. It was disposed of that he would need to reapply and complete his theory and practical tests again, which he had done. Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver’s representative stated that he had received 3 points on three consecutive days in July 2023 at the exact same place on Western Avenue. He hadn’t realised that the speed limit had changed from 40 to 30, and the clocked speeds (37mph, 38mph and 38mph) indicated that he genuinely believed he was under the limit. He was a very good and reliable driver who had never had any issues before or since. The representative added that the driver had lived a difficult life and had to work very hard to get where he was today, and his income was vital to his family and to get both of his children through university. He was certainly a fit and proper person to drive a taxi, and he just wanted to support himself and his family. He accepted that having 9 points on his licence was a serious thing, and would be particularly observant of speed limit changes in the future. RESOLVED – that no further action be taken. (4) Application 4 The Sub Committee were asked to consider an application for the Grant of a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver's Licence given that the applicant had a conviction contrary to the guidance. The driver was not in attendance so the application was deferred. (5) Application 5 The Sub Committee were asked to consider an application for the Grant of a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver's Licence given that the driver previously held a licence with the authority but was convicted of causing injury whilst dangerous driving. The driver had not held a relevant licence with the authority since this application. Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver stated that he was convicted for dangerous driving in 2013, after an accident which he deeply regretted. He had never had an accident before this and he hadn’t since. He went to jail for it and served his time but still lived with it today. Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver’s colleague gave a character reference. He explained that the driver had been associated with the taxi industry for a very long time, and a long time had passed since his offence. He had seen how he behaved with other drivers, passing on knowledge and experience to students coming through, and transporting children as a contractor for the local authority. He had proved he was a fit and proper person, and there was no value in continually punishing people for the same thing. He was not the same person he was 11 years ago, he now had a family and wanted to get his licence back. The Sub Committee queried a recent offence on the driver’s DVLA licence history, where he had received 6 penalty points for failing to give information as to the identity of the driver. The driver clarified that at this time he was renting out more than 400 cars, and this particular one was being driven in Hampshire. His business was in difficulty at the time and he wasn’t able to access the building where the letters arrived regarding this offence. He wasn’t the driver of the vehicle but as the director of the company he was responsible for it. RESOLVED – that the application be refused. (6) Application 6 The Sub Committee were asked to consider an application for the Grant of a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver's Licence given that a motoring conviction had been declared on the application. The offence was IN10, using a vehicle uninsured against third party risks. Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver stated that the offence happened in November 2022. Immediately prior to that, he had been out of the country due to a family emergency. There weren’t enough funds in his account for the direct debit for his insurance to go through so it was cancelled, but he didn’t receive any notification of this. He was then pulled over by police (in his own car rather than in a private hire vehicle), fined £400 and given seven points on his licence. He added that he was currently licensed by Newport City Council, who were aware of the offence and had recently renewed his licence. RESOLVED – that the application be granted.
RESOLVED – T H A T the minutes of the meeting held on 6th February, 2024 be approved as a correct record.
RESOLVED – T H A T Officers be authorised to carry out a 14-day consultation with the taxi and private hire trade within the Vale of Glamorgan Council on: (i) Amending condition 33 of the Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence Conditions and condition 38 of the Private Hire Vehicle Licence Conditions: Inspections The vehicle shall be presented for examination on application for a renewal of licence. Vehicles will be accepted for testing for the renewal of a licence up to one month prior to the expiry of the licence. The vehicle shall also be presented for examination on request by the Licensing Authority during the course of the licence. This condition is without prejudice to the powers in the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976. Reason for decision In order to consult to amend the amount of time proprietors had to present their vehicle for testing on renewal of licence which would bring the testing arrangements in line with the current MOT procedure for all vehicles. Minutes - MS
RESOLVED that Item 5 is confidential and not for publication by virtue of paragraph 14 of Part 4 and paragraph 21 of Part 5 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. The public were excluded from the meeting for the presentation of this item in accordance with the same legislation.
RESOLVED: To agree to the JGC recommendation that bidder 3 is appointed as the preferred bidder for the new WPP Operator contract.
RESOLVED: Council AGREED to: 1. Receive a nomination and appoint to the vacancy on the Committee, in accordance with the Party Group wishes, as set out in Table A in the report.
RESOLVED: Council AGREED to: 1. Approve the nomination and appoint to outside bodies as set out in Table A in the report