Agenda and minutes

None.

Mr Sajad of Worcester Taxi Drivers Forum addressed the Committee. He drew members’ attention to the temporary closure of the taxi rank on the Cross and queried why more notice had not been given to the trade.

Mr Sajad asked Committee to consider whether consideration could be given to extending the current vehicle licence period from 3 years to 5 years.

Of the meetings held on 7^th March and 24^th March 2022 to be approved and signed.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meetings held on 7^th March and 24^th March 2022 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

For Committee to:

1.   Note the contents of the report, and in particular the outcome and conclusions of the review undertaken

2.   Support the use of the Discretionary Welfare Assistance Scheme where applicable to support residents deemed to be in financial hardship with the cost of essential pest control treatments.

Officers presented a report summarising a review into the re-introduction

of a subsidised pest control service for Worcester City.

Members expressed concern about whether households with low incomes

were able to afford pest control services in the absence of a subsidised

scheme.

Officers observed that tenants in private and social rented housing

may have a clause in their tenancy deferring responsibility for

pest control to the landlord.

Members remained concerned about landlords taking responsibility and a discussion took place about the feasibility of recharging landlords for the provision of pest control services.

Members noted the proposal to refer residents deemed to be in financial hardship to the Discretionary Welfare Assistance Scheme where applicable with the cost of essential pest control treatments and queried whether information about the scheme was readily accessible, especially for those who did not have English as their first language.

RESOLVED: that Committee

1.   Notes the contents of the report, and in particular the outcome and conclusions of the review undertaken

2.   Recommends that ‘option 2’ from the report: ‘The provision of a ‘subsidised’ pest control service only available to residents who are in receipt of a qualifying benefit either delivered in house or through a procured pest control contractor’ be considered on a trial basis.

For Committee to consider the report from Worcester Regulatory Services.

Officers presented a report to update Committee on the City’s air quality. Members noted Officer comments that air quality in Worcestershire was generally considered to be good; however improvements brought about by changes in vehicle engine technology were slow to take effect.

It was expected that pollution levels would return to pre-pandemic levels once traffic returned to normal.

Members noted that not all monitoring sites were included in the table on p20. Officers confirmed that the full set of results would be made available to Committee in due course.

Members noted the report’s reference to the potential acquisition of electrochemical gas measuring systems and the intention to present further information on available options to the September Committee meeting.

RESOLVED: That Committee notes the contents of the Report.

For Committee to:

1.   Note the recent review of its caravan and mobile home park licensing function and the implementation of the Mobile Homes (Requirement for Manager of Site to be Fit and Proper Person) (England)Regulations 2020.

2.   Approve the draft Determination Policy at Appendix 1 for implementation on 1^st July 2022

3.   Approve the draft Fee Policy for Relevant Protected Sites at Appendix 2 for the purposes of public consultation.

4.   Delegate the Corporate Director of Operations Homes and Communities in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of this Committee to approve the draft fee policy for implementation, subject to a review of the consultation feedback.

Officers hadrecently undertaken a review of the Council’s Caravan and Mobile Home Park licensing function, in response to the implementation of the Mobile Homes (Requirement for Manager of Site to be Fit and Proper Person) (England) Regulations 2020.

In light of the Council’s ability to charge fees in line with the Mobile Homes Act 2013 Committee were also asked to approve the draft Fee Policy for Relevant Protected Sites for the purpose of public consultation.

Officers noted that whilst there is no statutory duty to consult on the proposed draft fees policy, it would be considered good practice and appropriate to do so.

RESOLVED: That Committee:

1.   Notes the contents of this report and in particular the consideration of implementing the Mobile Homes (Requirement for Manager of Site to be Fit and Proper Person) (England) Regulations 2020.

2.   Approve the draft Determination Policy at Appendix 1 for implementation on 1st July 2022.

3.   Approve the draft Fee Policy for Relevant Protected Sites at Appendix 2 for the purpose of stakeholder consultation.

4.   Delegates the Corporate Director of Operations, Homes and Communities in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of this Committee, to approve the draft fee policy for implementation, subject to a review of the consultation feedback.

Which in the opinion of the Chair is of sufficient urgency as to warrant consideration.

Members discussed the implications of various phased closures on The Cross in the coming months, which were being undertaken in order to facilitate public realm improvements.

Whilst Members were in agreement that the works would bring about desirable improvements to the area, questions were raised about the effectiveness and timeliness of communication surrounding the closures, particularly those which affected the taxi trade.

Members went on to discuss issues around the misuse of taxi ranks by delivery drivers and members of the public dropping passengers off, and the current age limit for private hire vehicles.

The Chair agreed to request the attendance of a City parking enforcement officer at the next Committee meeting to discuss the taxi rank misuse issue, and further agreed to request an information report to come to the next Committee meeting to consider the age limit on private hire vehicles.