The Licensing Panel of North Northamptonshire Council is scheduled to convene on Wednesday, 28 January 2026. The primary item on the agenda is the consideration of whether a specific Hackney Carriage vehicle meets the criteria for an exceptional vehicle age policy.

Consideration of Hackney Carriage Vehicle Age Policy

The meeting's main focus will be on whether a Hackney Carriage vehicle, registration SC57 LVB, owned by Mr Suyfan Sadanand Rao of Kettering, meets the requirements of the Exceptional Vehicle Age Policy. This policy allows vehicles over a certain age limit to continue to be licensed if they have been maintained to a very high standard, both mechanically and in terms of their internal and external condition.

The report pack details the vehicle's first registration date as 27 December 2007. Mr Rao was informed in November 2025 that his vehicle licence was due to expire and that an exceptional vehicle age policy inspection would be required for renewal. Following an application and subsequent communication, the vehicle underwent an inspection on 22 December 2025.

The documentation outlines a series of communications between Mr Rao and council officers, including complaints made by Mr Rao regarding the inspection process and the decision reached. The report notes that Mr Rao has appealed the officer's decision to fail the vehicle during the inspection. The panel will be presented with various appendices, including correspondence, the application form, the exceptional vehicle age policy check sheet, and a list of inspection failures. Video footage of the inspection is also to be provided at the meeting.

The North Northamptonshire Council Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy sets out the criteria for a vehicle to be considered in exceptional condition. This includes requirements for mechanical soundness, bodywork, paint, trim, interior condition, and safety features. The policy states that if a vehicle fails an inspection or garage test for any reason, it will not be licensed and will not be considered for relicensing. The panel will need to determine if vehicle SC57 LVB meets these stringent standards to be licensed for a further year.

The outcome of the panel's determination will result in a decision notice being sent to Mr Rao. The report also notes that the applicant has the right to appeal the panel's decision to the Magistrates Court.