The Licensing, Environment & Safety Committee of Stockport Council met on Wednesday 2 July 2025, making decisions on the taxi and private hire vehicle emissions policy and considering several individual licensing applications. Key decisions included extending the emissions compliance deadline for existing taxi and private hire vehicles and allowing them to be renewed with non-compliant vehicles until August 2030.

Review of Taxi and Private Hire Emissions Policy

The committee approved changes to the taxi and private hire vehicle emissions policy. The emissions compliance date for existing vehicle licence holders with non-compliant vehicles attached to the licence was extended to 31 December 2026. Furthermore, existing vehicle licence holders will be allowed to continue to renew their vehicle licence with the same non-emissions compliant vehicle until 31 August 2030. These decisions were made in light of the evolving Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan (CAP) and the related financial support available to licensees. The report presented to the committee outlined the challenges faced by licensees in transitioning to cleaner vehicles, including the cost of new vehicles and the limited coverage of retrofit technology by the Clean Taxi Fund. The extended deadlines aim to support licensees in making investment decisions and align with broader regional efforts to improve air quality.

The committee also noted the update regarding the CAP, the Clean Taxi Fund, and the engagement programme and campaign launched across Greater Manchester. This forms part of a wider regional effort to address air quality issues and support the taxi and private hire trade. The decision to extend the compliance date and renewal period was made to provide licensees with additional time to engage with the Greater Manchester programme and await potential amendments to funding offers.

Licensing Applications

The committee considered several individual licensing applications, making the following decisions:

• Case Number P1808: This matter was adjourned to the next meeting on 13 August 2025 due to the absence of the driver.
• Case Number P1809: The application for a Private Hire Driver's licence was granted. This decision followed the committee's review of the applicant's previous convictions and an interview with the applicant.
• Case Number P1810: The committee decided to suspend the driver for a period of four weeks. This action was taken after considering the driver's conduct and interviewing them, accompanied by two friends.
• Case Number P1811: A formal written warning was placed on the driver's file. This decision was made after the committee reviewed the driver's conduct and interviewed them, accompanied by two family members.

Appointment of Sub-Committees

Approval was given for the appointment of members to the Licensing, Environment & Safety Sub-Committees A and B. Councillor Dickie Davies was appointed Chair of Sub-Committee A, alongside Councillor Asa Caton and Councillor Pete West. Councillor Colin MacAlister was appointed Chair of Sub-Committee B, with Councillor Dallas Jones and Councillor David Wilson also appointed.