Issue - meetings

To consider a confidential report by the Head of Planning and Public Protection (copy enclosed) seeking members’ determination of an application for a licence to drive hackney carriage and private hire vehicles from Applicant No. 047319

RESOLVED that the application for a hackney carriage and private hire vehicle drivers licence from Applicant No. 047319 be granted.

A confidential report by the Head of Planning and Public Protection (previously circulated) was submitted upon –

(i)            an application received from Applicant No. 047319 for a licence to drive hackney carriage and private hire vehicles;

(ii)          officers having not been in a position to grant the application in light of the information revealed following an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service and motoring convictions detailed on the applicant’s DVLA Licence;

(iii)         a summary of the convictions disclosed having been provided which related to a number of offences spanning a period from 1989 to 2009 including incidents relating to drunkenness and dishonesty;

(iv)         the Council’s current policy with regard to the relevance of convictions, and

(v)          the Applicant having been invited to attend the meeting in support of his application and to answer members’ questions thereon.

The Applicant was in attendance at the meeting and following introductions confirmed that he had received the report and committee procedures.  The Licensing Officer (JT) provided a summary of the report and explained that the matter had been brought before the committee to assess the Applicant’s suitability to hold a licence in light of the convictions disclosed.

The Applicant addressed the committee in support of his application admitting his wrongdoing and expressing remorse over previous actions.  He explained his personal circumstances advising that he had moved to Wales some years ago highlighting his family commitments and responsibilities and referred to his association with the taxi trade and his desire to become a taxi driver.  The Applicant also explained the circumstances surrounding the offences, clarifying issues in response to members’ questions thereon.  Members sought assurances regarding his future behavior and the Applicant elaborated upon his current lifestyle and community links and the trustworthy relationship with his current employer.  He assured the committee that he had learnt from past mistakes and had turned his life around.  A reference from the Applicant’s employer was read out to the committee attesting to his good character.  In his final statement the Applicant thanked members for the opportunity to present his case and asked the committee to look favourably on his application.

The committee adjourned to consider the case and it was –

RESOLVED that the application for a hackney carriage and private hire vehicle drivers licence from Applicant No. 047319 be granted.

The reasons for the Licensing Committee’s decision were as follows –

The committee had carefully considered the facts of the case and having listened to the Applicant’s submission and his response to questioning members had been impressed by the Applicant’s demeanor and had found him to be genuine in his assurances regarding his current and future behaviour.  Consequently members considered the Applicant to be fit and proper to hold a hackney carriage and private hire vehicle drivers licence.  The Applicant’s previous convictions had caused concern to the committee however and he was warned that any future transgression causing him to be brought before the committee would be severely dealt with.

The committee’s decision and reasons therefore were conveyed to the Applicant.

[Councillor Stuart Davies wished it to be recorded that he voted against the above resolution.]