Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

There were no declarations of interest.

To pass the following resolution:

That, in accordance with section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business as they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information falling within paragraphs 1 and 3 of Schedule 12A to the Act relating to any individual and to the financial or business affairs of any particular person.

Resolved:

That, in accordance with section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business as they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information falling within paragraphs 1 and 3 of Schedule 12A to the Act relating to any individual and to the financial or business affairs of any particular person.

The Chair invited Greg Bickerdike (Licensing Manager), NW and MA into the Hearing. The Chair led round-table introductions and outlined the procedure to be followed.

It was noted that the Company Directors were not in attendance despite being in email correspondence with the Council, and that MA had no authority to be present during the proceedings. Therefore, due to the likely disclosure of exempt information, MA withdrew from the meeting.

Dave Abel, Senior Solicitor, advised members that NW was the Manager of the Company, not a director or Licence Holder, and that her name was mentioned within the report, making her a witness to the incidents that had occurred.

Following a discussion on the matter, Members agreed to proceed with the hearing in the absence of the Licence Holder and to hear from NW as a witness.

Greg Bickerdike, Licensing Manager, outlined the report regarding a review of a Private Hire Vehicle Operator’s Licence, which had been circulated to all parties in advance of the meeting. The matter had been referred to the Regulatory Sub-Committee by an authorised employee of the council for further consideration to be given as to whether the Operator was a fit and proper person to hold a Private Hire Vehicle Operator’s Licence due to the information outlined in the report.

All parties were invited to question the Licensing Manager on the report. The Licensing Manager responded to questions asked.

The Chair invited NW to make representations.

NW discussed the incidents that had taken place and detailed the circumstances that had led to them. She admitted that mistakes had been made and she was sorry.

All parties were invited to question NW on her submission. NW responded to questions asked. She acknowledged that staff errors had occurred and explained that changes had been implemented to ensure they would not happen again. 

The Chair invited NW to make a final statement. NW did so.

Dave Abel, Senior Solicitor, outlined the options available to the Sub-Committee.

Greg Bickerdike and NW left the room to allow the Sub-Committee to determine the matter.

Greg Bickerdike and NW were invited back to the meeting.

The Chair advised them of the decision of the Sub-Committee, which was explained in full by the Senior Solicitor.

Resolved:

That having considered all of the documentation before them and having heard the representations from those in attendance, the Regulatory Sub-Committee was not satisfied that the Operator was a fit and proper to hold a Private Hire Vehicle Operator's Licence and therefore decided to revoke the licence pursuant to Section 62 (1) (c) and (d) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous) Provisions Act 1976.