Decision Maker: Licensing Panel

Outcome: For Determination

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: September 25, 2025

Purpose:

Content: The applicant was present.    The Licensing Enforcement Officer introduced the report which asked the Panel to consider whether the Driving Miss Daisy Rushden franchise is permitted dispensation from section 6.2.12 of the North Northamptonshire Council Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Policy   In answer to queries on the report the following was confirmed: •         Risks in the report referred to corporate risks rather than any risks from the application.  •         The area between the two seats was where the wheelchair slotted in. •         400mm was the nationally accepted minimum seat width per person for taxis and private hire vehicles.   North Northamptonshire Council followed national guidance rather than produce its own.  •         Various members of the Licensing Enforcement Team of varying sizes tested the seats and room in the vehicle.  It was considered comfortable for the 2 people the applicant usually conveyed to things such as doctor or hospital appointments or shopping. •         The applicant confirmed that if someone asked him to book his taxi for a run to the airport with people and luggage he turned it down as his vehicle would not comfortably accommodate them.   The applicant also confirmed that he wished for people to be comfortable when travelling in his vehicle. •         The applicant confirmed that some people using a disabled wheelchair used a ramp to access his vehicle.  Those using a walking aid tended to get into the side of the vehicle.    The panel withdrew at 9.58am and returned at 10.26am.   RESOLVED that:  The Panel unanimously approved the application for dispensation from section 6.2.12 of the North Northamptonshire Council Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Policy (2023-2028) that each hirer must have available 400mm of seating width subject to the following conditions: 1)     Only a reduction to 360mm seat width is permitted 2)     That the vehicle remains for use only within the Driving Miss Daisy Rushden business model providing journeys with a companionship-focused service to enhance independence for elderly, disabled and vulnerable residents. Reasons for Decision:  The Panel has approved the dispensation from the North Northamptonshire Council Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Policy (2023-2028) condition section 6.2.12 is that the benefits to the community and need for the service outweigh any negative impact on the Policy overall. This decision is not intended to set a precedent as it has been based on the specific facts of the application