Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor John Smith and Councillor Steve Edgar.

To provide an opportunity for Members and Officers to declare any disclosable pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests in any item on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest from Members.

In accordance with paragraph 2.32 of the Committee Procedural Rules and Appendix 7 to the Rules a total period of 10 minutes is allocated for members of the public to address the Committee on any matter relevant to the work of the Committee.  Individual members of the public may speak for up to 5 minutes but the Chairman will decide how the period of time allocated for public speaking will be apportioned where there are a number of speakers.  Members of the public are not required to give notice to use this facility. However, as a matter of courtesy, a period of 24 hours’ notice is encouraged.

Members of the public wishing to ask a question at the meeting should provide at least three clear working days’ notice in writing and should include the question with that notice. This will enable an informed answer to be given.

There were no public speakers.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 8 September 2025 as a correct record.

RESOLVED (Unanimously):

That the minutes of the meeting held on 8 September 2025 be approved as a correct record.

To receive the minutes of the Licensing Sub-Committee

·       27 August 2025

·       8 September 2025

·       12 September 2025

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of following Licensing Sub-Committee meetings be received:

·         27 August 2025

·         8 September 2025

·         12 September 2025

To consider a report which seeks Members’ approval to increase the licensing fees and charges for the issuing and renewal of licenses, consents, and permits issued by the Licensing Team with effect from 1 April 2026.

Members considered a report which sought Members’ approval to increase the licensing fees and charges for the issuing and renewal of licenses, consents, and permits issued by the Licensing Team with effect from 1 April 2026.

Members were updated that a review had been carried out to ensure that the fees covered the costs of administration, monitoring and enforcement, which was in line with the principle of cost recovery, and the Council’s Medium Term Financial Review strategy.

It was noted that the Council could not lawfully set a rate for fees which would generate a financial surplus or profit to support other council services. It was noted that statutory fees under the Licensing Act 2003 and the Gambling Act 2005 remained unchanged as these were set nationally, however locally set fees such as taxi licensing and other regulatory functions would be increased to account for inflation and an increase to operational costs. Most costs had been updated by the inflation figure of 3.8%, however some fees which had not been reviewed since Cheshire East Council was formed in 2009, had been increased at a higher rate.

RESOLVED (Unanimously):

That the Licensing Committee:

1.          Resolve that the fees set out in appendix 1 are approved.

2.          Authorise the Licensing Team Leader to publish the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing fees in accordance with the relevant legislative provisions.

3.          Delegate authority to the Head of Regulatory Services to consider any objections received and determine the final fees payable.