Report of the Executive Director, Economy and Public Protection
Minutes:
The Executive Director of Economy and Public Protection submitted a report (previously circulated) to give consideration to a review of a Private Hire Driver Licence in light of a new conviction and a review of a Private Hire Driver Licence in light of an ongoing investigation by Durham Constabulary.
Ref 02/25
To give consideration to a review of a Private Hire Driver Licence in light of a new conviction.
The driver attended the meeting and responded to Members questions in relation to the above, and to why they felt that they were a fit and proper person to hold a Private Hire Driver Licence.
In reaching their decision, Members took into consideration the Council’s Licensing Policy, which sets out the Council’s stance on the Relevance of Convictions, Cautions, Reprimands, Fixed Penalties, Warnings and Complaints in assessing whether an applicant is a fit and proper person; the Council’s Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Licensing Policy; and Section 61(1) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.
After careful consideration Members decided to revoke the Private Hire Driver Licence, with immediate effect, in accordance with sections 61(1)(b) and 61(2B) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 in the interests of public safety. Members made this decision due serious concerns regarding the driver knowingly associating with drug users.
RESOLVED – That the Licence be revoked under Section 61(1(b) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.
Ref 03/25
To give consideration to a review of a Private Hire Driver Licence in light of an ongoing investigation by Durham Constabulary.
The driver did not attend the meeting and was therefore unable to respond to Members questions as to why they were a fit and proper person to retain a private hire driver licence.
In reaching their decision, Members took into consideration the Council’s Licensing Policy, which sets out the Council’s stance on the Relevance of Convictions, Cautions, Reprimands, Fixed Penalties, Warnings and Complaints in assessing whether an applicant is a fit and proper person; the Council’s Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Licensing Policy; and Section 61(1) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.
After careful consideration Members decided to revoke the Private Hire Driver Licence, with immediate effect, in accordance with sections 61(1)(b) and 61(2B) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 in the interests of public safety.
Members made this decision due to the nature of the alleged offence and previous convictions outlined in the report. Furthermore, Members felt the driver had been dishonest as they had failed to declare their role as a Private Hire Driver to the police.
RESOLVED – That the Licence be revoked under Section 61(1(b) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.
Supporting documents: