Agenda and minutes

Present

Apologies

Ben Thomson (BT) – Assistant Director - Chair

Adam Bucior (AB)- Head of Public Protection

Michael Bridge (MB) – Licensing Unit Manager 

Sham Raja (SR) – National Private Hire & Taxi Association 

Khalid Hussain (KH) – Bury Hackney Association 

Charles Oakes (CO) – The Hackney Driver Assoc. Ltd 

David Lawrie Director of the National Private Hire Taxi Association 

Councillor C Morris (CCM)- Cabinet Member

Habib Ur-Rehman - GMB Union 

PC Peter Eccleston (PE) – GMP Bury District

Kirsty Wild - Magnum Whiteline

Item No.

Topic

Action

1.

Welcome and Apologies

2.

Previous minutes and Actions

All agreed

3.

GMP Update (PE)

-       Reports of theft, hate crime, and abuse against drivers were discussed. The importance of reporting incidents with detailed information (time, location, vehicle details) was emphasized.

-       Concerns raised about operator (e.g., Uber) suspension policies and lack of Council oversight.

o   The Council clarified it investigates all complaints objectively but cannot intervene in operator-specific policies.

Police and Council to provide bullet-point guidance on what information drivers should collect/report during incidents

Council to reshare taxi driver safety initiative information.

4.

Clean Air Plan (BT/MB)

Discussion RE: Hackney Support Fund & Vehicle Compliance

-       MB provided updates on the Hackney Support Fund, including application processes, funding mechanisms, and the importance of timely applications due to limited funds. Funding is available for compliant wheelchair accessible vehicles, with the process involving two-factor authentication and a funding award notice.

-       Funding for private purchases is retrospective; applicants must buy a compliant vehicle and then claim the grant. There is a delay in reimbursement, and the process cannot be changed.

-       The deadline for removing non-compliant vehicles from the fleet has been extended to January 2027.

Discussion RE: Private Hire Funding

-       No current funding for private hire vehicles; only Hackney carriages are covered by the current grant. Efforts are ongoing to secure additional funding for private hire, but there are no guarantees.

Trade representatives to encourage members to apply early for funding

Council/MB to communicate any updates on private hire funding as soon as

5.

Enforcement/Service Issues (MB)

Discusion RE: DBS Verification update

-      Drivers must ensure their DBS certificates are current and registered on the update service. Issues with payment methods (e.g., expired cards) can cause drivers to fall off the update service, risking suspension.

-      The Council gives drivers 24 hours to respond with evidence before suspending a licence.

Discussion of Licensing Policy

-          Come into effect on 7^th January 2026

-          Including Martin’s Law

Discussion of Face Coverings Guidance

-          Contacted Public Health

o   Face Coverings remain a personal Choice

o   Any change will be disseminated when given

Discussion of Sunny Bank Service Station

The contract for vehicle testing has been extended, with two stations available. Some concerns were raised about capacity and appointment availability.

-          Discussion of MOT stations

o   Suggested that there are not enough MOT appointments

Discussion of Non-Compliant PHV/HCVs

DL to put together  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.