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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED that – (a) the ‘Institute of Licensing Guidance in determining the suitability of applicants and licensees in the hackney carriage and private hire industry 2024’ attached at Appendix B to the report be adopted and the Council’s own Statement of Licensing Policy document be updated to reflect these changes which had been highlighted in red at Appendix C to the report; (b) prior to adoption, members of the hackney carriage and private hire trades and other interested parties be consulted regarding the proposal and any objectives to the proposal as detailed in (a) above be brought back to the next Licensing Committee for consideration, and (c) should there be no objections to the proposal detailed in (a) above, members adopt the Institute of Licensing Suitability Guidance document attached at Appendix B to the report along with the Council’s own revised Suitability Policy as detailed at Appendix C to the report to come into effect on 1 March 2026.
RESOLVED that the forward work programme be received and approved.
RESOLVED that the application for a hackney carriage and private hire vehicle driver’s licence from Applicant No. SR1227348 be granted subject to the satisfactory completion of the knowledge test. The reasons for the Licensing Committee’s decision were as follows – Members had carefully considered the particular circumstances of the case as set out in the report together with the explanation given by the Applicant. Members also considered the relevant sections of the Council’s Statement of Policy regarding the suitability of applicants and licensees in the hackney carriage/private hire trades. The Committee accepted the Applicant’s explanation in relation to the incident, noting that the court outcome was commensurate with the Applicant’s account and at the low end of the scale in terms of offences of that nature. In reaching their decision Members had also considered the historical nature of the conviction and the age of the Applicant at that time with no further incidents or convictions since then together with the Applicant’s employment history and personal background which attested to his good character. Consequently, the Committee was satisfied that the Applicant was a fit and proper person to hold a licence and concluded that there were exceptional circumstances and justifiable reasons to deviate from the policy on this occasion and grant the licence, subject to satisfactory completion of the knowledge test which was outstanding and part of the application process.
RESOLVED that the review of a licence to drive hackney carriage and private hire vehicles in respect of Driver No. 573464 be deferred to the next meeting. Given the meeting was ahead of schedule it was agreed to adjourn and reconvene for the next case at 11.30am.
RESOLVED that the application for a hackney carriage and private hire vehicle driver’s licence from Applicant No. SR1227348 be refused. The reasons for the Licensing Committee’s decision were as follows – Members had carefully considered the particular circumstances of the case as set out in the report and had also considered the relevant sections of the Council’s Statement of Policy regarding the suitability of applicants and licensees in the hackney carriage and private hire trades. The Committee noted there was evidence of abusive behaviour reported in relation to the Applicant from another local authority where he had been a licensed driver. This was of concern to members who considered those actions demonstrated an unsuitable temperament for a licensed driver who had to face challenges with members of the public as part of his job. The Committee found on the balance of probabilities that the evidence submitted by the local licensing authority, which referenced several complaints over many years, was correct which resulted in suspension and subsequent revocation of his licence. The Applicant was not present to be questioned on any of this information and had chosen not to attend. The Committee found that there was evidence of many years of obstruction, non-compliance, breach of policy and law even up until November 2025 and present day where the Applicant had not engaged and not attended the meeting. Furthermore, the Committee found that the Applicant had total disregard to the licensing authority given the evidence before them having had a driver’s licence previously revoked. Given the concerns raised, the number of complaints and continuing non-compliance, the Committee did not feel that on this occasion they could depart from policy as this should only happen where there were exceptional and justifiable reasons to do so. Accordingly, the Committee reached a decision that the Applicant was not a fit and proper person to hold a driver’s licence. At this point (11.50am) the meeting adjourned for a short break.
RESOLVED that Driver No. 570336 be allowed to retain his Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver’s Licence, subject to fully complying with paragraph 5.16 of the report including the requirement to complete a driver awareness course and/or pass a driver assessment, with no more than 8 minor infringements, within two months of notice from the authority, and that a final written warning be issued in respect of the of the issues raised and future conduct. The reasons for the Licensing Committee’s decision were as follows – Members had carefully considered the evidence before them in reaching their decision. The Committee’s decision was that the Driver did remain a fit and proper person to continue to hold a dual driver’s licence. The Committee was concerned having heard the evidence of the number of speeding offences that the Driver had accumulated which brought into question whether the Applicant was a fit and proper person to hold a driver’s licence. The Committee’s position was that public safety was paramount and they must consider this evidence fully. The Committee was also concerned about the Driver’s failure to disclose a conviction to the licensing authority, particularly given his experience as a licensed driver. However, members had heard mitigating factors which they had taken into account. Furthermore, it was considered that the offences, individually, were minor offences under the Licensing Policy and therefore the Committee decided not to revoke the licence on this occasion. This decision was subject to the Driver undertaking and passing a driver awareness course and assessment due to the number of penalty points accumulated on his DVLA Licence which should be completed within a period of 2 months of notice being given by the licensing authority. In addition to the condition above, the Committee issued a stern final warning to the Driver that should any other issue such as this – failing to follow policy or any other offences which came back before the Committee, the Committee would take this final warning into account. The Committee’s decision and reasons therefore were conveyed to the Driver together with his right of appeal. The meeting concluded at 1.00 pm.
Councillors Gwyneth Ellis and Brian Jones (Vice Chair)
No declaration of interest had been raised.
No urgent matters had been raised.
The minutes of the Licensing Committee held on 10 September 2025 were submitted. RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 10 September 2025 be received and confirmed as a correct record.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that – (a) the ‘Institute of Licensing Guidance in determining the suitability of applicants and licensees in the hackney carriage and private hire industry 2024’ attached at Appendix B to the report be adopted and the Council’s own Statement of Licensing Policy document be updated to reflect these changes which had been highlighted in red at Appendix C to the report; (b) prior to adoption, members of the hackney carriage and private hire trades and other interested parties be consulted regarding the proposal and any objectives to the proposal as detailed in (a) above be brought back to the next Licensing Committee for consideration, and (c) should there be no objections to the proposal detailed in (a) above, members adopt the Institute of Licensing Suitability Guidance document attached at Appendix B to the report along with the Council’s own revised Suitability Policy as detailed at Appendix C to the report to come into effect on 1 March 2026.
The Lead Officer (Licensing) submitted a report (previously circulated) regarding proposals to adopt the updated Institute of Licensing (IOL) Guidance to Determine the Suitability of Applicants and Licensees in the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Trade, update the Council’s Statement of Policy to reflect the IOL guidance document changes, and to undertake a consultation exercise on those proposals. The IOL Guidance had been produced in collaboration with the Local Government Association (LGA), National Association of Licensing and Enforcement Officers (NALEO) and Lawyers in Local Government (LLG) and had been subject of widespread consultation nationally. It was intended to assist local authorities in considering their own licensing policies on determining the suitability of applicants and licence holders for taxi and private hire licensing and had been well received, with many updating or reviewing their policies to incorporate the guidance. In Wales, the guidance also formed part of the Welsh Government Guidance of local authorities to ensure operators and vehicle drivers met licensing requirements. Adopting the updated guidance and revising the Council’s Statement of Policy would create a degree of national uniformity and consistency throughout the country, and it was recommended that a consultation exercise be carried out on the proposals with any objections brought back before the Committee for consideration. If no objections were received, the proposals would be effective from 1 March 2026. Members noted the IOL Guidance was a UK-wide document and updating the Council’s own Policy in line with the guidance would ensure it fit with national policy. RESOLVED that – (a) the ‘Institute of Licensing Guidance in determining the suitability of applicants and licensees in the hackney carriage and private hire industry 2024’ attached at Appendix B to the report be adopted and the Council’s own Statement of Licensing Policy document be updated to reflect these changes which had been highlighted in red at Appendix C to the report; (b) prior to adoption, members of the hackney carriage and private hire trades and other interested parties be consulted regarding the proposal and any objectives to the proposal as detailed in (a) above be brought back to the next Licensing Committee for consideration, and (c) should there be no objections to the proposal detailed in (a) above, members adopt the Institute of Licensing Suitability Guidance document attached at Appendix B to the report along with the Council’s own revised Suitability Policy as detailed at Appendix C to the report to come into effect on 1 March 2026.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the forward work programme be received and approved.
The Lead Officer (Licensing) presented the Licensing Committee’s forward work programme for consideration (previously circulated). RESOLVED that the forward work programme be received and approved.
RESOLVED that under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, the Press and Public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that it would involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 12 and 13 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A of the Act.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the application for a hackney carriage and private hire vehicle driver’s licence from Applicant No. SR1227348 be granted subject to the satisfactory completion of the knowledge test. The reasons for the Licensing Committee’s decision were as follows – Members had carefully considered the particular circumstances of the case as set out in the report together with the explanation given by the Applicant. Members also considered the relevant sections of the Council’s Statement of Policy regarding the suitability of applicants and licensees in the hackney carriage/private hire trades. The Committee accepted the Applicant’s explanation in relation to the incident, noting that the court outcome was commensurate with the Applicant’s account and at the low end of the scale in terms of offences of that nature. In reaching their decision Members had also considered the historical nature of the conviction and the age of the Applicant at that time with no further incidents or convictions since then together with the Applicant’s employment history and personal background which attested to his good character. Consequently, the Committee was satisfied that the Applicant was a fit and proper person to hold a licence and concluded that there were exceptional circumstances and justifiable reasons to deviate from the policy on this occasion and grant the licence, subject to satisfactory completion of the knowledge test which was outstanding and part of the application process.
A confidential report by the Head of Planning, Public Protection and Countryside Services (previously circulated) was submitted upon – (i) an application having been received from Applicant No. SR1227348 for a licence to drive hackney carriage and private hire vehicles; (ii) the Applicant having obtained historical offences/convictions in 1981 and 1985, both of which had been declared by the Applicant and confirmed following the usual routine checks; (iii) further information concerning the case including the Applicant’s explanation relating to the circumstances of the 1985 conviction and considerations relating to the Applicant's character and employment history; (iv) the Council’s policy with regard to the relevance of convictions and suitability of applicants, and (v) the Applicant having been invited to attend the meeting in support of the application and to answer members’ questions thereon. Members were advised that the Applicant did not wish to attend the meeting and had asked that the application be heard in his absence. Consequently, the Committee continued to hear the application and make a determination. The Enforcement Officer (NS) submitted the report and facts of the case. It was noted that the Applicant would need to satisfactorily complete the knowledge test as part of the application process. Officers responded to questions advising that the new IOL guidance did not differ significantly from the Council’s existing policy in cases of this type. Given the nature of the offence it remained on the Disclosure and Barring Enhanced Certificate despite it taking place over forty years ago and was therefore a matter for members to consider. Whilst North Wales Police had been unable to corroborate the account provided by the Applicant given it was an historical offence, there was no reason to dispute the detailed account provided by the Applicant with the court outcome reflecting the type of offence described. The Committee adjourned to consider the application and it was – RESOLVED that the application for a hackney carriage and private hire vehicle driver’s licence from Applicant No. SR1227348 be granted subject to the satisfactory completion of the knowledge test. The reasons for the Licensing Committee’s decision were as follows – Members had carefully considered the particular circumstances of the case as set out in the report together with the explanation given by the Applicant. Members also considered the relevant sections of the Council’s Statement of Policy regarding the suitability of applicants and licensees in the hackney carriage/private hire trades. The Committee accepted the Applicant’s explanation in relation to the incident, noting that the court outcome was commensurate with the Applicant’s account and at the low end of the scale in terms of offences of that nature. In reaching their decision Members had also considered the historical nature of the conviction and the age of the Applicant at that time with no further incidents or convictions since then together with the Applicant’s employment history and personal background which attested to his good character. Consequently, the Committee was satisfied that the Applicant was a fit and proper person to hold a licence and concluded that there were exceptional circumstances and justifiable reasons to deviate from the policy on this occasion and grant the licence, subject to satisfactory completion of the knowledge test which was outstanding and part of the application process.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the review of a licence to drive hackney carriage and private hire vehicles in respect of Driver No. 573464 be deferred to the next meeting. Given the meeting was ahead of schedule it was agreed to adjourn and reconvene for the next case at 11.30am.
A confidential report was submitted (previously circulated) on the suitability of Driver No. 573464 to hold a licence to drive hackney carriage and private hire vehicles in light of information obtained regarding two motoring convictions in 2024. The Legal Adviser shared correspondence with the Committee from the Applicant’s Solicitor confirming the Applicant was seeking an adjournment of the hearing whilst taking advice on the convictions detailed in the report. Members received legal advice from the Legal Adviser on this point. RESOLVED that the review of a licence to drive hackney carriage and private hire vehicles in respect of Driver No. 573464 be deferred to the next meeting. Given the meeting was ahead of schedule it was agreed to adjourn and reconvene for the next case at 11.30am.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the application for a hackney carriage and private hire vehicle driver’s licence from Applicant No. SR1227348 be refused. The reasons for the Licensing Committee’s decision were as follows – Members had carefully considered the particular circumstances of the case as set out in the report and had also considered the relevant sections of the Council’s Statement of Policy regarding the suitability of applicants and licensees in the hackney carriage and private hire trades. The Committee noted there was evidence of abusive behaviour reported in relation to the Applicant from another local authority where he had been a licensed driver. This was of concern to members who considered those actions demonstrated an unsuitable temperament for a licensed driver who had to face challenges with members of the public as part of his job. The Committee found on the balance of probabilities that the evidence submitted by the local licensing authority, which referenced several complaints over many years, was correct which resulted in suspension and subsequent revocation of his licence. The Applicant was not present to be questioned on any of this information and had chosen not to attend. The Committee found that there was evidence of many years of obstruction, non-compliance, breach of policy and law even up until November 2025 and present day where the Applicant had not engaged and not attended the meeting. Furthermore, the Committee found that the Applicant had total disregard to the licensing authority given the evidence before them having had a driver’s licence previously revoked. Given the concerns raised, the number of complaints and continuing non-compliance, the Committee did not feel that on this occasion they could depart from policy as this should only happen where there were exceptional and justifiable reasons to do so. Accordingly, the Committee reached a decision that the Applicant was not a fit and proper person to hold a driver’s licence. At this point (11.50am) the meeting adjourned for a short break.
A confidential report by the Head of Planning, Public Protection and Countryside Services (previously circulated) was submitted upon – (i) an application having been received from Applicant No. SR1207653 for a licence to drive hackney carriage and private hire vehicles; (ii) the Applicant having obtained a motoring conviction which expired July 2025 and previously held a licence to drive hackney carriage and private hire vehicles with another local authority which was revoked in May 2019, neither of which had been declared but had been revealed following routine checks; (iii) further information including the Applicant’s response to the revocation together with a number of outstanding matters requiring completion as part of the application process; (iv) the Council’s policy with regard to the relevance of convictions and suitability of applicants, and (v) the Applicant having been invited to attend the meeting in support of the application and to answer members’ questions thereon. Officers confirmed that the Applicant had been sent a copy of the report and confirmation of the date and time the Committee would consider the application. The Applicant did not attend. The Committee was satisfied that the Applicant had received notice of the matter and resolved to proceed with the determination. The Enforcement Officer (KB) presented the report and facts of the case. The Committee adjourned to consider the application and it was – RESOLVED that the application for a hackney carriage and private hire vehicle driver’s licence from Applicant No. SR1227348 be refused. The reasons for the Licensing Committee’s decision were as follows – Members had carefully considered the particular circumstances of the case as set out in the report and had also considered the relevant sections of the Council’s Statement of Policy regarding the suitability of applicants and licensees in the hackney carriage and private hire trades. The Committee noted there was evidence of abusive behaviour reported in relation to the Applicant from another local authority where he had been a licensed driver. This was of concern to members who considered those actions demonstrated an unsuitable temperament for a licensed driver who had to face challenges with members of the public as part of his job. The Committee found on the balance of probabilities that the evidence submitted by the local licensing authority, which referenced several complaints over many years, was correct which resulted in suspension and subsequent revocation of his licence. The Applicant was not present to be questioned on any of this information and had chosen not to attend. The Committee found that there was evidence of many years of obstruction, non-compliance, breach of policy and law even up until November 2025 and present day where the Applicant had not engaged and not attended the meeting. Furthermore, the Committee found that the Applicant had total disregard to the licensing authority given the evidence before them having had a driver’s licence previously revoked. Given the concerns raised, the number of complaints and continuing non-compliance, the Committee did not feel that on this occasion they could depart from policy as this should only happen where there were exceptional and justifiable reasons to do so. Accordingly, the Committee reached a decision that the Applicant was not a fit and proper person to hold a driver’s licence. At this point (11.50am) the meeting adjourned for a short break.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that Driver No. 570336 be allowed to retain his Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver’s Licence, subject to fully complying with paragraph 5.16 of the report including the requirement to complete a driver awareness course and/or pass a driver assessment, with no more than 8 minor infringements, within two months of notice from the authority, and that a final written warning be issued in respect of the of the issues raised and future conduct. The reasons for the Licensing Committee’s decision were as follows – Members had carefully considered the evidence before them in reaching their decision. The Committee’s decision was that the Driver did remain a fit and proper person to continue to hold a dual driver’s licence. The Committee was concerned having heard the evidence of the number of speeding offences that the Driver had accumulated which brought into question whether the Applicant was a fit and proper person to hold a driver’s licence. The Committee’s position was that public safety was paramount and they must consider this evidence fully. The Committee was also concerned about the Driver’s failure to disclose a conviction to the licensing authority, particularly given his experience as a licensed driver. However, members had heard mitigating factors which they had taken into account. Furthermore, it was considered that the offences, individually, were minor offences under the Licensing Policy and therefore the Committee decided not to revoke the licence on this occasion. This decision was subject to the Driver undertaking and passing a driver awareness course and assessment due to the number of penalty points accumulated on his DVLA Licence which should be completed within a period of 2 months of notice being given by the licensing authority. In addition to the condition above, the Committee issued a stern final warning to the Driver that should any other issue such as this – failing to follow policy or any other offences which came back before the Committee, the Committee would take this final warning into account. The Committee’s decision and reasons therefore were conveyed to the Driver together with his right of appeal. The meeting concluded at 1.00 pm.
A confidential report by the Head of Planning, Public Protection and Countryside Services (previously circulated) was submitted upon – (i) the suitability of Driver No. 570336 to hold a licence to drive hackney carriage and private hire vehicles following an accumulation of penalty points on his DVLA Driving Licence and failure to declare one of those convictions; (ii) the Driver’s failure to declare the penalty points having resulted in his licence not being reviewed in line with Section 4.42 of the licensing policy whereby a review was required in the event of 7 or more points being accrued; (iii) further background information and associated documentation having been provided including the Driver’s response to the issues raised and further information that he may have been dishonest in accepting penalty points; (iv) officers having referred the matter to the Licensing Committee for determination given the particular circumstances of the case; (v) the Council’s policy with regard to the relevance of convictions and suitability of applicants and licensees, and (vi) the Driver having been invited to attend the meeting in support of the licence review and to answer members’ questions thereon. The Driver was in attendance in support of his licence review. The Licensing Enforcement Officer (NS) submitted the report and facts of the case. A late character reference for the Driver had been received and read out. The Driver confirmed that he had nothing further to add. No questions were put to the Driver or Technical Officers. The Driver did not wish to make a final statement. The Committee adjourned to consider the case and it was – RESOLVED that Driver No. 570336 be allowed to retain his Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver’s Licence, subject to fully complying with paragraph 5.16 of the report including the requirement to complete a driver awareness course and/or pass a driver assessment, with no more than 8 minor infringements, within two months of notice from the authority, and that a final written warning be issued in respect of the of the issues raised and future conduct. The reasons for the Licensing Committee’s decision were as follows – Members had carefully considered the evidence before them in reaching their decision. The Committee’s decision was that the Driver did remain a fit and proper person to continue to hold a dual driver’s licence. The Committee was concerned having heard the evidence of the number of speeding offences that the Driver had accumulated which brought into question whether the Applicant was a fit and proper person to hold a driver’s licence. The Committee’s position was that public safety was paramount and they must consider this evidence fully. The Committee was also concerned about the Driver’s failure to disclose a conviction to the licensing authority, particularly given his experience as a licensed driver. However, members had heard mitigating factors which they had taken into account. Furthermore, it was considered that the offences, individually, were minor offences under the Licensing Policy and therefore the Committee decided not to revoke the licence on this occasion. This decision was subject to the Driver undertaking and passing a driver awareness course and assessment due to the number of penalty points accumulated on his DVLA Licence which should be completed within a period of 2 months of notice being given by the licensing authority. In addition to the condition above, the Committee issued a stern final warning to the Driver that should any other issue such as this – failing to follow policy or any other offences which came back before the Committee, the Committee would take this final warning into account. The Committee’s decision and reasons therefore were conveyed to the Driver together with his right of appeal. The meeting concluded at 1.00 pm.
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