The General Licensing Sub Committee 2 of Sandwell Council met on Monday, 15 September 2025, to discuss licensing and registration functions of the council. The meeting was scheduled to discuss matters relating to private hire and Hackney carriage drivers, vehicles and operator licences. Due to the confidential nature of the topics, the public and press were excluded from the meeting.

Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Licences

The General Licensing Sub Committee 2 was scheduled to consider applications and complaints relating to individuals and companies who either hold a licence or are applying for a new licence issued by Sandwell Council.

The report pack stated that the sub committee has delegated authority to take the following actions:

• Grant
• Refuse
• Revoke
• Suspend
• Issue a Warning

Each report would contain details of why the applicant's case has been referred to committee, the policy implications, and a recommendation in line with policy and any guidelines issued by the Department for Transport and the Institute of Licensing.

The recommendation made to the Licensing Sub Committee was to consider each case on its merits, taking into account the Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Licensing Policy, guidance issued by the Institute of Licensing and Department for Transport, and any evidence presented by the applicant at the meeting.

The report pack also listed various pieces of legislation that would be taken into account, including the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976¹, the Policing and Crime Act 2009, the Equality Act 2010, and the Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Safeguarding and Road Safety) Act 2022.