The Miscellaneous Licensing Committee of Cornwall Council met on Friday, 6 March 2026, to consider several applications for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licences. The committee refused three applications and revoked one licence due to concerns about public safety and the applicants' suitability to hold such licences.

Applications for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licences

The committee considered multiple applications for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licences. In each case, the committee reviewed reports, heard from the applicants (or their representatives), and considered the council's guidelines on determining the suitability of applicants.

Application for WD221

The committee refused the application for a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence for applicant WD221. The decision was based on the committee's assessment that WD221 was not a fit and proper person to hold such a licence. The reasons for refusal included concerns related to an offence and the applicant being within a period where a licence would not typically be granted following a conviction for violence or a connected offence. HR Safeguarding also indicated that WD221 was not considered suitable at that time. The committee highlighted their overriding duty to protect the public and public safety.

Application for CD296

The application for a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence for applicant CD296 was also refused. The committee determined that CD296 was not a fit and proper person to hold a licence. Key factors in this decision included CD296's previous licence suspension following information from the Probation Service in December 2024. The committee noted that CD296 had a previous conviction for possession of a bladed article, which was the third such conviction, indicating a pattern of behaviour. Additionally, CD296 received points for driving without due care and attention and failed to report this offence or the points on their licence, which is a condition of holding a licence. While HR Safeguarding considered CD296 suitable, the committee ultimately concluded they would not allow a person for whom they cared to travel alone in a vehicle driven by CD296, prioritising public safety.

Application for WD222

The committee resolved to revoke the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence for WD222 with immediate effect. This decision was made to promote public safety due to WD222's conduct and the matters detailed in the report. The committee found WD222 to be not a fit and proper person to hold a licence. The report indicated that WD222's licence had been revoked by Plymouth City Council on 5 February 2026, and WD222 had failed to notify Cornwall Council of this revocation. WD222 had also written to the council stating they no longer wished to hold their licence and would not attend the meeting. The committee considered the 'Guidelines for determining the suitability of applicants and licensees' and concluded that WD222 was not a fit and proper person to hold a licence, citing the overriding duty to protect the public.

Application for WD220

In a previous meeting on 6 February 2026, the committee reviewed the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence for WD220. The decision was made to revoke WD220's licence with immediate effect to promote public safety. The committee found WD220 to be not a fit and proper person to hold a licence. This decision was based on WD220 receiving 9 points on their driver's licence for three separate speeding offences and failing to notify the council of these points. Although WD220 accepted responsibility and apologised, the committee noted that WD220 was within the period where a licence would not typically be granted following multiple traffic offences. The committee concluded that they would not allow a person for whom they cared to travel alone in a vehicle driven by WD220, emphasising the importance of public safety.

Application for WD221 (Report to Follow)

An application for a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence for applicant WD221 was listed on the agenda, with a report to follow. However, no details of the discussion or decision for this specific application are available in the provided documents.

Application for CD296 (Report to Follow)

An application for a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence for applicant CD296 was listed on the agenda, with a report to follow. However, no details of the discussion or decision for this specific application are available in the provided documents.

Previous Meeting Minutes and Procedures

The committee formally approved the minutes from the previous Miscellaneous Licensing Committee meeting held on 6 February 2026. They also noted the emergency evacuation and domestic procedures. There were no declarations of interest made by committee members. The committee also resolved to exclude the press and public from discussions involving information relating to individuals, in accordance with the Local Government Act 1972.