Plan to safeguard young and vulnerable in wake of Rotherham scandalCOUNCILLORS will consider if new taxi policies are needed to safeguard children and vulnerable adults in the wake of the Rotherham scandal.
Weymouth and Portland Borough Council's Policy Development Committee will be asked if current licensing policy is sufficient for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults when using taxis and hackney carriages.
In a report to councillors, head of community protection Graham Duggan says: 'Whilst circumstances may be different to Rotherham and Oxfordshire, it is appropriate for the council to review its current licensing policy and procedure in light of the Serious Case Reviews to ensure that they are sufficient in respect of safeguarding matters.'
WPBC's current policy was approved in 2010 and is set for formal review in 2016.
There are currently 337 licensed drivers in the borough, 269 licensed vehicles and 17 licensed private hire operators.
Every new applicant for a licence has to undertake a criminal record check at enhanced level through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Successful applicants is criminal-record checked every three years.
In the past three years, four driver licences have been revoked or had additional conditions placed on them and two applications have been refused.
The committee is asked whether it wants to hold the scheduled review in 2016; whether it would like officers to report on best practices elsewhere and whether officers should seek views from the trade in developing work.
Cllr Frances Drake, briefholder for community safety, said he would like to see a confidential telephone number that taxi drivers can call if they see or suspect suspicious behaviour.
"Taxi drivers are the eyes and ears of Weymouth; they know everything that is going on. But they don't have a confidential telephone number so they can report anything they feel isn't right."
source:
http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/13342377.display/
Login
Register
FAQ
