Issue - meetings

Members were asked to consider and determine an application for a private hire driver licence from Applicant - 143645 who had re applied for a private hire driver licence, with this authority.

The Licensing Officer explained to the Committee that Applicant - 143645 was not in attendance at the hearing and had requested to defer the hearing for over one month, beyond 20th March 2025, citing his requirement to travel urgently due to his mother’s ill health.

The Committee considered Applicant – 143645’s request, however, decided to continue with the hearing, having taken into account Applicant – 143645’s history of not attending pre-arranged interviews which was one of the concerns before the Committee. The Committee felt that it was appropriate to continue the hearing without Applicant - 143645 being present, despite his request for a deferment.

Committee papers and reports had been provided to all relevant parties prior to the meeting. 

The report detailed the following:

- A copy of Applicant – 143645’s application form, including his DVLA licence and check code

- A copy of a suspension notice to Applicant – 143645 from this authority.

- A copy of a summary transcript between Applicant – 143645 and Licensing Officers.

- A copy of a letter to intend to refuse Applicant – 143645 a licence due to Applicant – 143645 refusal to undertake a drugs test for which he had 48 hours to respond.

- A copy of Applicant – 143645’s e mailed response to the letter.

- A copy of 2 letters to Applicant – 143645 detailing complaints made by members of the public about Applicant - 143645.

- A copy of a witness statement relating to one of the complaints made against Applicant – 143645.

- A copy of a summary transcript with Applicant – 143645 and Licensing Officers.

The Committee understood that the matter before them was to determine an application for a private hire vehicle driver licence as detailed in the Committee report and appendices.

A copy of the report and the appendices had been provided to everyone present and to the members of the Committee. The Licensing Officer outlined the contents of the report to the Committee.

The Committee heard that Applicant – 143645 had previously held a licence to drive private hire vehicles issued by the Council in February 2018, that expired in February 2024.

The Committee were told that in October 2023, the licensing team received a complaint in relation to a private hire vehicle driver that was acting suspiciously near to, and approaching, the complainant’s home. Applicant – 143645 was identified as the driver subject to the complaint.

The Committee heard that during the investigation into this complaint, Applicant – 143645 was obstructive with officers; he did not attend pre-arranged interviews, which led to Applicant – 143645’s licence being suspended as a result of him not attending to be interviewed in relation to the complaint.

The Committee were told that Applicant – 143645 was eventually interviewed in January 2024, and although it  ...  view the full minutes text for item 49