Agenda and minutes

The Chair announced that the meeting was being broadcast live to the internet via the Council’s website and was capable of repeated viewing. The images and sound recording may be used for training purposes within the Council. All were asked to keep to the speaking guidelines which were outlined.  Any views expressed by any speaker in the meeting are the speaker’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of High Peak Borough Council.

None

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 3 November 2022 be approved as a correct record.

The Committee considered an approach for consultation upon a proposed Charitable Collections Policy.  The consultation will be undertaken with a range of statutory bodies and other organisations, and would also be placed on the website should members of the public wish to comment.  It was proposed that the consultation exercise will run for 6 weeks in May and June and the responses received will be presented to the next Licensing Committee for consideration, with a recommendation to undertake further consultation or to recommend the Policy to Council for adoption. 

In response to a query regarding ID badges, the Head of Service commented that a sample ID badge could be included within the draft policy and that, subject to resources, information could also be posted on the website so residents could check which collections are taking place at any time.  Concerns were also expressed about collectors calling late at night, and organisers would be recommended to avoid this. It was also requested that ward councillors be provided a with a copy of the street collections schedule.  It was also recommended that Street Collection organisers be recommended to avoid refuse collection days when asking residents to leave their donations out for collection. Regarding national charities, members were advised that local branches do not have to be licensed by the local authority but are encouraged to make contact about their collection.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the draft policy be approved for consultation, together with the consultation timetable as set out in paragraph 7.9 of the report;

2.    That, following the consultation period, the proposed policy (together with a summary of the key consultation comments) be considered further by the committee at its next meeting, with a view to recommending the policy to Full Council for formal adoption by the Council.

The Committee considered an update in relation to the enforcement activity undertaken within the Licensing Section.

Members thanked officers and fellow councillors for their work on the Licensing Committee and Sub-Committees during this Council.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.