Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations made at the meeting.

RESOLVED that the public and press be excluded from the remaining proceeding of the meeting in accordance with Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended, on the grounds that exempt information, as detailed in Paragraph 1 (information relating to any individual) of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act, was likely to be disclosed.

The Committee considered an application for a new Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Drivers Licence.

At the commencement of the hearing, the Chair welcomed all parties to the meeting, made introductions, and outlined the procedure to be followed.

The Sub-Committee Members, the applicant and the Senior Licensing Practitioner confirmed that they had received a copy of the agenda papers prior to the meeting.

The Senior Licensing Practitioner introduced the report and outlined the key points in relation to the application, explaining the circumstances, which had led to the requirement for the Sub-Committee to determine whether the applicant was considered a ‘fit and proper’ person to be granted a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers Licence.

The applicant informed the Sub-Committee that he had changed his name in 2020. The applicant tabled for Members’ information a written explanation in mitigation to the events that had led for his licence being revoked which had not been included in the agenda papers. 

Subsequently, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 17(l) the meeting was adjourned at 10.10 am to allow the Sub-Committee time to consider the additional information presented. The applicant and Senior Licensing Practitioner left the room. The meeting re-convened at 10.30 am with all parties invited back into the meeting.

The Committee and the applicant were invited to ask questions of the Senior Licensing Practitioner.  No questions were put by the Committee or the applicant to the Senior Licensing Practitioner. 

The applicant then responded to a number of questions from Members, explaining his past actions. 

After the applicant had made a closing statement, he was thanked for his attendance and was notified that he would receive the decision of the Sub-Committee in writing within 7 working days. The applicant and the Senior Licensing Practitioner, were then asked to leave the meeting whilst the Sub-Committee deliberated the application.

RESOLVED that

(1)       the Sub-Committee having considered the report, taken into account the representations made and the additional information tabled at the hearing, together with the Council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy, and having considered the suitability to hold a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers Licence, decided that the applicant was a ‘fit and proper’ person to hold a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers Licence;

(2)       the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers Licence be granted for a period of 12 months; and

(3)       the Council write to the applicant suggesting that the applicant undertake a ‘Pass Plus’ driver approved advanced driving course, but this is not a condition of his licence.

The Sub-Committee considered an application for a new Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Drivers Licence.

At the commencement of the hearing, the Chair welcomed all parties to the meeting, made introductions and outlined the procedure to be followed.

The Sub-Committee Members and the Senior Licensing Practitioner confirmed that they had received a copy of the agenda papers which had been circulated to all parties prior to the meeting. The applicant indicated that he had not received the agenda papers as he had recently moved address in December, however he confirmed that he had received email notification from the Licensing department regarding the date of the hearing. 

The applicant submitted for Members’ consideration a personal statement and also provided character references which had not been included in the agenda papers. 

It was subsequently agreed that in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 17(l) that the meeting stand adjourned at 11:07am to allow the applicant sufficient time to read the documentation in relation to his application. 

The meeting reconvened at 11.29 am and all parties were invited back into the meeting. The applicant confirmed that he had read the documentation pertaining to his application.

The Senior Licensing Practitioner introduced the report and outlined the key points in relation to the application, explaining the circumstances, which had led to the requirement for the Committee to determine whether the applicant was considered a ‘fit and proper’ person to be granted a new Private Hire Drivers Licence. The Committee and the applicant were invited to ask questions of the Senior Licensing Practitioner. The Senior Licensing Practitioner responded to questions from Members and the Senior Legal Officer. No questions were put by the applicant to the Senior Licensing Practitioner. 

The applicant explained his past actions and responded to a number of questions from Members.

After the applicant had made a closing statement, he was thanked for his attendance and was notified that he would receive the decision of the Sub-Committee in writing within 7 working days. The applicant and the Senior Licensing Practitioner, were then asked to leave the meeting whilst the Sub-Committee deliberated the application.

RESOLVED that that the Sub-Committee having considered the report, taken into account the representations made and the additional information tabled at the hearing, together with the Council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licencing Policy, having considered the suitability to hold a Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Drivers Licence decided that the applicant is a ‘fit and proper’ person to hold a Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Drivers Licence.