Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Gordon Blair, Jan Brown, Amanda Hampsey, Daniel Hampsey, Paul Donald Kennedy, and Liz McCabe.

Councillor Graham Hardie, in relation to item 3 (CIVIC GOVERNMENT (SCOTLAND) ACT 1982:  APPLICATION FOR A GRANT OF A TAXI CAR LICENCE:  M SOHAIL, CARDROSS) on the agenda, advised that he knew the applicant well. He advised that he would leave the meeting during discussion and deliberation of the item.

Councillor Hardie left the meeting at this point.

Report by Head of Legal and Regulatory Support

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.  In line with recent legislation for Civic Government Hearings, the parties (and any representatives) were given the options for participating in the meeting today.  The options available were by video call, by audio call or by written submission.  For this hearing the Applicant opted to proceed by way of audio call and Mr Sohail joined the meeting by telephone.

The Chair then outlined the procedure that would be followed and invited the Applicant to speak in support of their application.

APPLICANT

The Applicant advised that he did not wish to add anything further to his application, and he was content with the information that had been submitted to the Committee.

MEMBERS’ QUESTIONS

The Chair asked the Applicant for details in relation to his reason for requiring a Taxi Car licence. He also sought and received confirmation from the Applicant that he believed that there was significant demand for taxis in the area. The Applicant advised that he was hoping to change jobs and make a better living for himself.

SUMMING UP

Applicant

The Applicant advised that he would be happy to receive the licence, and to work long hours as and when required. He noted that he was used to working long hours.

When asked, Mr Sohail confirmed that he had received a fair hearing.

DEBATE

The Chair noted that the Committee had taken a relatively consistent position with granting Taxi Car Licences. He highlighted that the available data for the Helensburgh and Lomond area was based on information gathered prior to the pandemic, which could now be seen as outdated. He advised that as a result of this, he would suggest approval of the Licence.

Councillor Armour advised that he was in agreement with the Chair. He noted that there were no representations or objections in relation to the application, and he would be happy to support the award of the Licence.

Councillor Forrest noted her agreement with other Members, and advised that she did not see any reason not to approve the application.

Councillor Philand agreed with the other Members, and confirmed he would be happy to grant the Licence.

DECISION

The Committee unanimously agreed to grant a Taxi Car Licence to Mr Sohail and noted that he would receive written confirmation of this within 7 days.

(Reference: Report by Head of Legal and Regulatory Support, submitted)