WINDOW cleaners could soon need a licence to operate across North Ayrshire.
The Council’s Licensing Committee today (Wednesday) agreed to propose a resolution that would see window cleaners regulated in the same way as taxi drivers.
Consultation will take place this year but, if approved, the new rules are likely to come into force by the end of 2018.
Chief Inspector Brian Shaw of Police Scotland reported that over the past 12 months there were 17 alleged offences committed by people who at time of detection gave their occupation as a window cleaner.
It was argued that as window cleaners have access to properties they – like taxi drivers - should be fit and proper and have undergone the proper checks.
Following today’s decision, an advert will be taken out in a local paper and representations can be made before further discussion and a decision will be made at a later Committee meeting.
If passed the new regulation is likely to come into effect on December 23.
Councillor Ronnie McNicol, Convenor of the Licensing Committee, said:
“The licensing of window cleaners is at the discretion of each local authority.
We have taken advice from our colleagues at Police Scotland and feel that it is right to propose this resolution.
“This is just the first step in the process and there will be a chance for anyone to make representations if they wish to do so.“It will then be discussed further and we hope to make a decision at a forthcoming meeting in March.”