Issue - meetings

To consider an application by Mr C

(separate copy for sub-committee members only)

DECISION

That the applicant is a fit and proper person to be issued with a hackney vehicle/private hire driver's licence from Gwynedd Council.

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting. She highlighted that the decision would be made in accordance with Cyngor Gwynedd's licensing policy. It was noted that the purpose of the policy was to set guidelines for the criteria when considering the applicant's application, with the aim of protecting the public by ensuring that:

• The person was a fit and proper person

• The person did not pose a threat to the public

• The public were safeguarded from dishonest persons

• Children and young people were safeguarded

• Vulnerable people were safeguarded

• The public could be confident in using licensed vehicles

The Licensing Officer presented a written report on an application received from Mr C for a hackney/private hire driver's licence. The Sub-committee was asked to consider the application in accordance with the relevant information.

The Licensing Authority recommended that the Sub-committee should have regard to the Council's Policy and the IOL’s Guidance on the safety and suitability of the applicant before a decision was made on whether or not to grant a licence.  

The applicant was invited to expand on the application and provide information about the background of the offences. He highlighted his frustration whilst completing the application by misinterpreting the information he had received along with being unable to understand the registration process and having to pay fees and DBS costs beforehand. He added that his behaviour was out of character and he was going through a difficult time in his life at that point - without a job, he would have become homeless. He noted that he had learned from the process, and he had been offered a job, subject to being granted a licence. His wish for the future was to offer transport for the disabled.  

RESOLVED that the applicant was a fit and proper person to be issued with a hackney/private hire vehicle driver's licence from Cyngor Gwynedd.

In reaching its decision, the Sub-committee considered the following:

·      The requirements of 'Cyngor Gwynedd's Licensing Policy for Hackney Carriages and Private Hire Vehicles'

·      The report of the Licensing Department

·      The applicant's application form 

·      Verbal observations by the applicant

Specific consideration was given to the following matters:

Background

·         In August 2023 the applicant visited the Council offices and spoke to a member of staff inappropriately and aggressively. His conduct was such that an experienced member of the reception staff at the offices had cause to report the matter formally on a HS11 form to her line manager and Human Resources department. An anonymised version of the form was shared with Licensing service Manager as it related to this application for a taxi driver application.

·         A few days after this incident, the applicant returned to the council offices, and was met by two licensing officers who had cause to advise him that as an applicant for a taxi driver licence, his conduct was a matter of relevance, and that bad behaviour towards council officers would not be tolerated. The applicant in response noted that he felt  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7