Agenda and draft minutes

The Chair to move:-

That the public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting because of the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined Paragraph 1 of Part 1 and Paragraph 10 of Part 2 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

It was proposed by Councillor Bright, seconded by Councillor Hackett and –

Resolved:

That under Section 100(a)(4) of the Local Government Act (as amended) the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business because of the likely disclosure of exempt information by virtue of Paragraph 3 of Part 1 and Paragraph 10 of Part 2 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

(Vote: For - unanimous)

To receive a report from the Lead Licensing Officer.

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and explained the role and procedure of a Licensing Sub-Committee.

There were no declarations of interest from the Sub-Committee.

The Lead Licensing Officer presented the report, the purpose was to provide the Sub-Committee with information relating to the conduct of a licensed taxi driver to enable Members to determine what action should be taken in respect of his Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Driver’s Licence renewal.

The Chair asked if there were any questions from the Sub-Committee for the Lead Licensing Officer.

The applicant was invited to put forward his case.

The Chair asked the Sub-Committee if they had any questions for the applicant. The applicant then responded to the questions.

The Lead Licensing Officer made his closing submission. This led to a few questions from the Sub-Committee and the Lead Licensing Officer gave clarification.

The applicant addressed the Sub-Committee with his closing statement.

At 10:31 the Sub-Committee retired.

Upon request of the Sub-Committee, the Head of Legal and Governance (& Monitoring Officer) joined the Sub-Committee’s discussion at 10:49 to provide guidance.

The Lead Licensing Officer was then asked by the Head of Legal and Governance (& Monitoring Officer) to join their discussion at 10:57 to help advise the Sub-Committee.

The Lead Licensing Officer returned at 11:26

The Sub-Committee and the Head of Legal and Governance (& Monitoring Officer) returned at 11:35.

The Chair stated that the Head of Legal and Governance (& Monitoring Officer) and Lead Licensing Officer were asked to join the discussion to give clarification on the policy for determining the suitability of applicants and licenses.

The Chair then stated that the Sub-Committee had thoroughly discussed the matter in relation to the Councils Licensing Policy for Taxis, Private Hire Vehicles, the Council’s Policy on the treatment of criminal convictions, and the Regulators’ Code.

The Sub-Committee decided to revoke the license for 6 months from midnight on the 10^th July 2025 and that the licence holder would need to complete a Taxi Driver’s Assessment Course before returning to service.

The applicant left the meeting before the full decision was announced.

The Chair confirmed that the licence holder had the right to appeal the Sub[1]Committee’s decision and the appeal must be submitted to the Magistrates Court within 21 days.