Agenda item

A report from the Executive Director (Operations) is attached.

Licence Holder 3/2023

The Executive Director (Operations) submitted a report relating to Licence Holder 3/2023 who was in attendance at the meeting. The Chair made introductions and the Council Solicitor outlined the procedure to be followed and clarified that all those present had read the report. The report, which was accepted by the Licence Holder and presented by the Licensing Unit Manager, set out the reasons for the Licence Holder being before the Committee.

The report stated that the Licence Holder had held a private hire driver’s licence continually since the 5^th April 2007. They also held a Private Hire Operators Licence since the 12^th March 2012. The Private Hire Operators’ Licence expired on the 3^rd June 2020 and their private hire driver’s licence is current until the 6^th November 2025. 

When the Licence Holder renewed his private hire driver’s licence in October 2022, the Licensing Service were alerted to a conviction not disclosed and full details were attached in the private agenda packs.

The Licence Holder was before members for consideration to be given as to his suitability to remain a Private Hire Driver and also become a Private Hire Operator in Bury.

Delegated decision:

The Committee carefully considered the report, and oral representations by the Licence Holder. The Committee noted the explanations provided but reminded the Licence Holder to adhere to the conditions of a licence and to obtain a reference number when having communications with the Council in future.

Taking into account the Council’s Conviction Policy and Guidelines and in accordance with the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, the Committee resolved to admonish the licensee as to future conduct and grant a new private hire operator’s licence. 

Licence Holder 4/2023

The Executive Director (Operations) submitted a report relating to Licence Holder 4/2023 who was in attendance at the meeting alongside a family member. The Chair made introductions and the Council Solicitor outlined the procedure to be followed and clarified that all those present had read the report. The report, which was accepted by the Licence Holder and presented by the Licensing Unit Manager, set out the reasons for the Licence Holder being before the Committee.

The report stated that the Licence Holder had held a private hire driver’s licence continually since the 15^th November 2016 and their current licence was not due to expire until the 17^th October 2025. On the 27^th May 2023, the Licence Holder completed an online declaration form and the report included in the private agenda packs stated full details.

The Licence Holder was before members for consideration to be given as to his suitability to be a private hire driver in Bury.

Delegated decision:

The Committee carefully considered the report, and oral representations by the Licence Holder and his family member. The Committee noted the explanations provided but reminded the Licence Holder that this was serious incident which was not acceptable or be tolerated and advised of local services which are available to help people during the cost-of-living crisis which can help avoid triggering a repeat of the offence. As an aside these types of services such as mental health and citizens advice would be provided to Licence Holders via the taxi trade liaison meetings.

Taking into account the Council’s Conviction Policy and Guidelines and in accordance with the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, the Committee resolved to admonish the licensee as to future conduct.