The Licensing, Environment & Safety Committee of Stockport Council met on Wednesday 30 April 2025 to discuss alternative arrangements for taxi licensing and consider several individual driver licence applications. The committee resolved that a report detailing a proposed scheme of delegation be submitted to the next meeting for consideration before any decision is taken regarding alternative arrangements for taxi licensing. They also made decisions on four individual taxi driver licence cases: one suspension, one revocation, one application granted, and one where no further action was deemed necessary.

Taxi Licensing Arrangements

The committee considered a report detailing alternative arrangements for the discharge of functions related to the granting of licences for taxi and private hire car matters. The report suggested that a sub-committee could be established to consider individual licensing cases, a model similar to that used for other licensing matters, such as those under the Licensing Act 2003. This approach was recommended to ensure a clear separation between investigators and decision-makers, and to allow for individual cases to be considered on their own merits.

However, some members expressed reservations, with some stating they could not support the proposals at that time but might do so later. Ultimately, the committee resolved that a report detailing a proposed scheme of delegation be submitted to the next meeting for consideration before any decision is taken. This means that the current arrangements, where the full committee considers these matters, will continue for the time being.

Individual Taxi Driver Licence Applications

The committee reviewed four individual cases concerning taxi and private hire drivers.

• Case Number P1802: This case involved an existing Private Hire Driver whose conduct was reviewed. Following an interview with the driver, the committee resolved that the driver be suspended for a period of two weeks.
• Case Number P1803: This matter, deferred from a previous meeting on 26 March 2025, concerned the recent conduct of an existing Private Hire Driver. After interviewing the driver, who was accompanied by their manager, the committee resolved to revoke the driver's licence for a six-month period.
• Case Number P1806: This case involved a new applicant for a Private Hire Driver's licence who had previous convictions. The applicant was interviewed by the committee, accompanied by their solicitor. Following this, the committee resolved that no further action be taken.
• Case Number P1807: This case also involved a new applicant for a Private Hire Driver's licence with previous convictions. The committee interviewed the driver, and subsequently resolved that the application be granted.