Issue - meetings

The Licensing Team has received information in relation to a

currently licensed driver that raises concerns on his suitability to

meet the ‘fit and proper’ criteria to remain a licensed driver.

This matter is brought before the Sub-Committee for consideration.

This item was restricted by virtue of paragraphs 1 and 2 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

Exempt information – Categories 1 (information relating to any individual) and 2 (information which is likely to reveal the identity of an individual).

Attendance:

From BCP Council:

Trudi Barlow – Licensing Officer

Michelle Fletcher – Licensing Officer

Linda Cole – Legal Advisor to the sub-committee

Christiane Tan - Clerk to the sub-committee

Michelle Cutler – Democratic Services support

The driver was in attendance unaccompanied. The Chair made introductions and explained the procedure to be followed in considering this item, which was agreed by all parties present.

The Licensing Officer presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'A' to these Minutes in the Minute Book. The Licensing Team had received information in relation to a currently licensed driver that raised concerns on their suitability to remain a licensed driver. The Sub-Committee was asked to consider whether the driver remained a ‘fit and proper’ person to hold a hackney carriage and private hire driver license.

The Sub-Committee asked various questions of the driver and officers present and was grateful for the responses received.

The Licensing Officer was invited to sum up before the Sub-Committee retired to make its decision. Before concluding the hearing, the Legal Advisor advised of the right of appeal.

RESOLVED that the driver remains a ‘fit and proper person’ to hold a private hire driver’s licence. However, the Sub-Committee, raised concerns regarding the driver’s apparent lack of diligence and considered that he had not demonstrated a proper appreciation of the responsibilities associated with being a licensed driver.

Considering these concerns, the Sub?Committee determined that it was appropriate to issue a formal caution. The Sub?Committee was particularly disappointed that the driver was not fully aware of the requirements set out in the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver Policy and that he admitted he had not read the revised policy issued to all drivers in January 2026.

The Sub?Committee expects the driver to read and fully understand the policy and to ensure that he is aware of, and complies with, all information and responsibilities that apply to him as a private hire driver. Specifically, section 11 (Medicals), which clearly states that failure to submit a completed medical certificate by the due date will result in the suspension of a driver’s licence.

Reason for decision:

The Sub?Committee considered all the information submitted prior to the hearing, as contained in the Licensing Officer’s report for Agenda Item 6, together with the verbal submissions made at the hearing by all parties, including the responses provided by the driver to questions from the Sub?Committee.

In considering whether the driver was a ‘fit and proper person’, the Sub?Committee had regard to the BCP Council Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver Policy, the provisions of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, the Institute of Licensing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 172