Agenda item - Review of Blue Book in light of Child Sexual Exploitation

Report of the Director of Public Health (copy attached)

8.1         The Licensing & Health Manager introduced the report which provided an update on the proposed revisions to the Blue Handbook for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers, Vehicles and Operators (the Blue Book). The revisions had been made in light of the recent Child Sexual Exploitation case reviews and inspection reports in Rochdale, Rotherham and Oxford; as well as issues relating to licensing web based taxi providers and other amendments to the Blue Book.

8.2         Members of the Committee welcomed the report and the proposed changes and hoped that these would be acceptable to the trade, which had an important role in society.

8.3         The Licensing & Health Manager informed that Committee that the proposals were due to be considered by the Taxi Forum on the 14^th July and it was hoped to bring a report to the November meeting on the outcome of discussions and consultations.

8.4         RESOLVED:

(1)          That the contents of the report be noted and that the Committee resolve to amend the Blue Book advice regarding suspensions, current evidence threshold, justification, the need for enhanced DBS check, Child Sexual Exploitation and modern slavery/human trafficking, (Considered by licensing officers against codified list in blue book); and

(2)          That the Blue Book clearly states the council’s position relating to human trafficking and child sexual exploitation.