The Cambridge City Council Licensing Sub Committee convened to discuss taxi licensing matters. The main item on the agenda was the consideration of whether to grant a license to driver 'A'. Councillors Gerri Bird, Executive Councillor for Housing, Councillor Russ McPherson and Councillor Rachel Wade, Executive Councillor for Communities, were scheduled to attend the meeting at The Guildhall, Market Square, Cambridge.

Driver 'A' Licensing Application

The sub-committee was scheduled to review the application of driver 'A' to become a licensed driver with Cambridge City Council. The report pack included the procedure for taxi regulatory hearings, stating that the Licensing Team of the Refuse and Environment section of the City Council is responsible for all licensing matters.

The procedure outlines the preparation of reports, stating that:

Where the Officer considers that the Taxi Regulatory Sub-Committee should decide whether an applicant for a licence is a fit and proper person to hold the licence for which she/he has applied, the Officer will refer the matter to the Sub-Committee.

The report pack also details the hearing process, including the presentation of evidence, questioning of witnesses, and the opportunity for the driver or their representative to present their case. The sub-committee may choose to exclude the press and public during parts of the meeting, according to the agenda.

The report pack also refers to the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, which grants the council the power to:

suspend or revoke or refuse to renew a vehicle licence

on grounds such as the vehicle being unfit, offences committed by the operator or driver, or any other reasonable cause. Similarly, the council can take action against a driver's licence if the driver has been convicted of offences involving dishonesty, indecency, violence, or immigration offences since the licence was granted, or for any other reasonable cause.

The report pack also refers to the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Enforcement System, and notes that the Licensing Sub-Committee may exercise discretion to grant, renew, suspend or revoke a licence. It lists a number of actions that would be considered 'Level 3 Enforcement', including:

• Previous offences
• Convictions of a sexual nature
• Drug related offences
• Offences involving dishonesty or violence
• Drink related offences
• Driving licence suspensions
• Failure to complete safeguarding training
• Concerns about the grant or continuation of a licence