Decision details

Whilst licensing staff have returned to work, the front office has remained closed to the public. Checking original documents and verifying details is an important aspect of licensing taxi drivers and this requires a face to face consultation for new drivers.
Demand has increased for new drivers to be licensed and it is felt that this could be accommodated by introducing an appointment-based system, which will avoid unnecessary queueing.
Only one person will be admitted into the office at any time where there is already a Perspex screen in place to protect staff. Surfaces in the public area will be cleaned between customers.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:
Safe system of work in place, agreed with Health & Safety and Public Health.
One member of staff will deal with the customer behind a protective screen. Personal protection equipment will be available to staff for cleaning the public area surfaces between appointments.

Equality Impacts:
Not Applicable

To agree to reopen the Licensing Front office to members of the public to allow checking of original documents and verifying of details to take place in a face to face consultation with new taxi drivers, as demand has increased for new drivers to be licensed. To reopen from Monday 24 August 2020.

Reason: Demand for new licences to be issued has recently increased due to businesses re-opening. Delaying opening of the licensing office will create a backlog of applications that will cause additional pressures to staff. It is also important that we are seen to be assisting the community at a crucial stage of economic recovery.

None.