The Licensing Sub-Committee of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council will meet to discuss applications for private hire driver's licences, and to review previously issued licences. The meeting is likely to be held partly in private due to the confidential nature of some of the information that will be considered.

Review of Private Hire Driver's Licence - Mr A Yaqubi

The committee will consider a request from West Midlands Police to review the Private Hire Driver's Licence of Mr A Yaqubi, who was licenced by Wolverhampton City Council. The Committee have to decide whether Mr Yaqubi is a 'fit and proper' person to hold a private hire driver's licence.

Members will recall that, in accordance with the Council's current Policy, in considering this application, they must have regard to the issue of whether the Applicant is a 'fit and proper' person to hold such a licence in light of his previous convictions and the evidence before them.

The report pack includes a letter from West Midlands Police's Licensing Unit dated 20 November 2024. It describes an allegation of sexual assault made against Mr Yaqubi by a passenger in his vehicle in July 2023. It also describes an incident in October 2024 in which Mr Yaqubi was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. The report also includes representations from Mr Yaqubi dated 27 November 2024 in which he contests elements of the allegations against him.

Review of Private Hire Driver's Licence - Mr A Woldemichael

The committee has received a request from West Midlands Police to review the Private Hire Driver's Licence of Mr A Woldemichael. This follows several incidents in which Mr Woldemichael was found to be driving his taxi without insurance.

The Committee are requested to consider the above application and determine whether the requirements and guidance contained within the Council’s Policy have been complied with and, in light of the information contained within this report, whether Mr Woldemichael is a fit and proper person to continue to hold a Private Hire Driver’s Licence.

Applications for a Private Hire Driver's Licence

The committee will consider two applications for Private Hire Driver's Licences. The meeting papers for the two applications are very similar and begin by reminding the committee of their responsibilities when considering applications of this kind. For example, when considering the application of Mr Khan, the report says:

Members will recall that, in considering this application they must have regard to the issue of whether the applicant is a fit and proper person to hold such a licence.

Application for a Private Hire Driver's Licence - Mr I Kimberley

The report pack includes an application for a Private Hire Driver's Licence from Mr I Kimberley.

Application for a Private Hire Driver's Licence - Mr Z Khan

The report pack includes an application for a Private Hire Driver's Licence from Mr Z Khan.