Apologies were received from Cllr Dr Naylor and Cllr Mrs Henwood. 

The Committee RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the 11 November 2014 Licensing Committee, 31 October and 19 December 2014 Licensing Sub-Committee  meetings with an amendment to the latter that the resolution was  made unanimously  and they were signed by the Chair.

Members were asked to recommend to the Audit and Scrutiny committee that a cross party task and finish group be set up to review the process for setting of tariffs in respect of Hackney Carriage fares and to suggest a programme for future fare setting.

The report sought the approval for Officers to work with the Taxi Trade  Consultative Group as part of the review process. 

Cllr Barrett MOVED and Cllr Reed SECONDED the recommendations in the report and following a discussion it was RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY:

1. To  recommend to Audit and Scrutiny Committee that a cross party Task and Finish Group be established in order to review the process for setting of tariffs in respect of Hackney Carriage fares and advise on a future programme for tariff setting; and

2. To authorise officers to engage the Taxi Trade Consultative Group (TTCG) in the review process, also to review the TTCG as part of the process reporting any findings and recommendations to a future meeting of the Licensing Committee.

The report sought Members’ approval for officers to review a current agreement between Brentwood Borough Council and the Professional Fundraising Regulatory Association (PFRA) in respect of direct debit charity fundraising.

The report also requested that the Head of Borough Health Safety and Localism, in consultation with the Chair of the Licensing Committee be authorised to amend the site management agreement on behalf of the Council. 

Members suggested that other shopping areas in the Borough be included in the review and that consultation be undertaken with relevant Ward Members, also that a Members’ Forum be arranged to discuss door to door collectors and other charity collections and that a workshop be set up for all Members to attend.

Members noted that the PFRA was not obliged to report back to the Council regarding complaints made but it was thought reasonable that it be requested to do so. 

Cllr Barrett MOVED and Cllr Newberry SECONDED the recommendations in the report and following a discussion it was RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY that:

Members authorise officers to review the current site management agreement for face to face direct debit charity collectors and bring the amended agreement before Members of the committee for final authorisation in approximately six months’ time.

The report sought Members approval to approach the various Parish Councils with a view to gauge whether there was an interest or a desire to have a Market in their parish area.

Cllr Barrett MOVED and Cllr Newberry SECONDED the recommendations in the report and following a discussion it was RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY that:

Members authorise officers to:

i) write to all parish Councils to seek expressions of interest in having a general Market and/or a specialist or Christmas Market in their relevant parish areas; and

ii) to report back to a future meeting of the Licensing Committee with details of responses received and any relevant requirements for adoption areas as “license” or “consent” streets.