Agenda item

For Members to consider and determine an application for a Private Hire / Hackney Carriage (Joint) Driver Licence

That in light of the evidence produced both in written form and orally at the meeting, the Sub-Committee refused to grant the application for a Private Hire/Hackney Carriage (Joint) Driver Licence. 

The Chairman welcomed the applicant, introduced the Members of the Sub-Committee, and explained the procedure for the hearing. 

            The Senior Licensing Officer introduced the report, the purpose of which was for Members to determine an application for a Private Hire/Hackney Carriage (Joint) Driver’s Licence.  The report detailed the contents of the application (Appendix A) and provided details of a ‘Fail to Notify Circumstances Affecting Benefit / Other Payment’ under the Social Security Administration Act.  A written explanation from the applicant was attached (Appendix C). 

Additional information had been disclosed at the discretion of the Chief Officer of Police, who deemed it relevant to the application and the wording of the disclosure was attached (Appendix B). 

The Sub-Committee considered the report of the Director of Environment and was requested to determine whether the applicant was a fit and proper person to be granted a Private Hire/Hackney Carriage (Joint) Driver licence.           

            The Chairman referred to the applicant’s conviction and the additional information provided by the Chief Officer of Police and invited the applicant to provide details of both.  The applicant also explained why he felt he was a fit and proper person to hold a Private Hire/Hackney Carriage (Joint) Driver Licence.

The Chairman invited members of the Sub-Committee to ask questions to which the applicant responded.  The applicant also outlined his current family situation and employment history.   

Mr. T. Dillon questioned the applicant in further detail concerning the circumstances detailed in the information provided by the Chief Officer of Police.  He also provided confirmation of details relating to the failure to notify of a change in circumstances affecting benefits.  

When the Chairman was satisfied that the Sub-Committee had asked the applicant and the Senior Licensing Officer all relevant questions he asked the applicant and the Officer to leave the meeting whilst the Sub-Committee made their decision.   

            DETERMINATION OF THE APPLICATION

The Sub-Committee considered the application including both written and oral representations made by the applicant and the Licensing Authority and also the written representation from the Chief of Police. 

Following careful considered of all of the information and evidence provided, the Sub-Committee were of the view the applicant was not a fit and proper person to hold a private hire/hackney carriage (joint) driver licence. 

            DECISION

The Senior Licensing Officer and the applicant were invited to return to the meeting.

The Chairman advised the applicant that based on the written and oral evidence, the Sub-Committee had decided that he was not deemed a fit and proper person within the meaning of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 to hold a Private Hire/Hackney Carriage (Joint) Driver Licence.  The reasons for the Sub-Committees decision were read out to the applicant.

RESOLVED:

That in light of the evidence produced both in written form and orally at the

meeting, the Sub-Committee refused to grant the application for a Private

Hire/Hackney Carriage (Joint) Driver Licence. 

DURATION OF MEETING

            The meeting commenced at 9.30am and ended at 10.50am.

MEMBER OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC IN ATTENDANCE

                        There were no members of the press or public in attendance.

Members of the press and public were invited into the meeting at this point.