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The Department for Transport consultation has
launched a consultation on improving access by
disabled people to taxis.
It proposes (a) a 'do nothing' option - leaving the market, the trade and local licensing authorities to continue to make local decisions on the make-up of the taxi and private hire fleet and levels of accessibility, without any additional government guidance or intervention (b) implementing a pro-active programme of DfT-led initiatives that would involve measures such as issuing technical standards as an advisory note, guidance to local licensing authorities, a demonstration scheme, additional enforcement provisions and making best use of other government policy levers; and (c) regulation: either using the regulation-making powers that are currently in part 5 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, or seeking new or amended regulatory-making powers at the next legislative opportunity. If you would like to contribute to the Institute of Licensing's response to this consultation, you can do so either online or by email to licensing_circles@hotmail.com by 2 April 2009. |
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A national database of known licensed and
unlicensed stretch limousines is being created to
assist with future enforcement operations throughout
the country.
The Institute of Licensing has been asked to work with the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency and the police to compile information on the current situation regarding stretch limousines in the country. VOSA and the police recognise the key role that licensing departments across the country can play in compiling an accurate picture of how many limousines there are, many of which are neither licensed by local authorities or the Traffic Commissioners. The database is quite detailed and it is understood that licensing authorities will not be able to complete all of the relevant fields. However any information that can be supplied would be greatly appreciated, particularly on known unlicensed vehicles. Spreadsheets can be downloaded from the Institute li brary under Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles/Articles and other materials. Spreadsheets should be returned as soon as possible to myles.bebbington@scambs.gov.uk. Could the relevant licensing officer who would liaise with these authorities in any future enforcement please give their details in case VOSA or the police wish to contact them for further information or assistance. |
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The Institute is pleased to announce it will be
running
its popular Professional Licensing Practitioner
Qualification course in
The courses are aimed at licensing practitioners wishing to build on their existing knowledge and expertise, and are provided by Poppleston Allen Solicitors, covering the Licensing Act 2003 and the Gambling Act 2005. A voluntary exam is on offer at the end of the three days, or delegates may attend on individual days as required. For more information visit our home page. |
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The Institute is also pleased to be able to
offer the Certificate for Licensing Committee Members
(Licensing) and the Certificate for Licensing
Committee Members (Gambling).
These two, half-day courses will be available at
Councillors may attend for either half-day or the whole day, with training provided by Poppleston Allen Solicitors. For more information, click here. |
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The north-east region are offering a Licensing
Act
2003 Investigative Skills and Enforcement
course
presented by Jack Henriques, solicitor, trainer
and co-
author of Local Authority Prosecutions
(Cavendish
Publishing), former legal manager at Bradford
Council
and national legal trainer for the Environment
Agency.
It is designed for licensing officers seeking to hone their investigative skills and acquire enforcement knowledge in connection with offences arising from the Licensing Act 2003. For more details click here... |
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The West Midlands regional meeting and annual
general meeting will be held at a location in
Birmingham (to be confirmed) on 13 March 2009.
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The Home Counties region will be holding its next
meeting in St Albans on 25 March
2009.
Speakers are expected to include Peter Coulson, (editor of Licensing Review), Julian Skeens representing the Lap Dancing Association, Sarah Clover of No5 Chambers, and Alan Tolley, of Sandwell council and a LACORS policy adviser. For more details click here. Please note that this event is on 25 March and not as previously advertised. We apologise for any confusion caused. |
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An advance warning for your diary!
Better Regulation is one of the current hot topics in the
delivery of local authority regulatory services.
With this in mind the Institute of Licensing is planning a series of three, one-day conferences to held this spring and summer in Sheffield, London and Bristol. Specialist expert speakers will cover topics include:
Look out for more details coming to your in-box soon. |
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