« Previous | Contents | Next »
Listen
A REPORT BY THE TASK GROUP SET UP TO REVIEW THE LICENSING PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THE CIVIC GOVERNMENT (SCOTLAND) ACT 1982
ANNEX 1: SUMMARY OF ACTIONS BEING PROGRESSED SEPARATELY BY THE SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
Private Hire Car/Taxi Radio Control Rooms
1. The COSLA Report proposed the introduction of a licensing requirement for private hire car and taxi radio control rooms. The Task Group was of the view that given the powers available to local authorities to license vehicle owners and drivers, there would be merit in providing similar powers with regard to the people operating taxi and private hire car booking offices. It was also noted that the police supported such a step in the interests of crime prevention. This matter is being progressed separately by the Scottish Executive and we understand that a Consultation Paper will issue shortly from its Transport Group. In the circumstances, the Task Group do not consider that there is a need for consideration to be given to this proposal.
Door Stewards/ Security Guards
Precognition Agents/ Private Investigators
2. The Task Group noted that the COSLA report recommended that a licensing requirement be introduced for the above professions. However, since the report was published, the Scottish Executive has made a commitment to introduce statutory regulation of the private security industry. Door stewards, security guards and private investigators will fall within the new licensing regime, as will defence precognition agents (i.e. those not employed by the Crown).
3. Regulation will be achieved by extending the remit of the Security Industry Authority (SIA), which currently regulates the private security industry in England and Wales, to include Scotland. To achieve this, amendments will be made to the Private Security Industry Act 2001 in the UK Parliament.
4. Once the SIA has a formal role in Scotland, it will roll out the licensing regime to different sectors within the private security industry in stages.
Cosmetic Skin Treatments
5. The COSLA report also recommended that the licensing of cosmetic skin treatments was required. Following a Scottish Executive consultation exercise, and completion of Part 2 of the Small Firms Impact Test to determine the cost implications for small businesses, the phased introduction of the provisions will take place during 2005.
« Previous | Contents | Next »