Issue - meetings

To consider an application by Mr C

 

(separate copy for sub-committee members only)

 

DECISION

 

That the applicant was not 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. He 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 is a fit and proper person

• The person does not pose a threat to the public

• The public are safeguarded from dishonest persons

• Children and young people are protected

• Vulnerable persons are protected

• That the public can be confident in the use of licensed vehicles

 

The Licensing Manager submitted a written report on an application received from Mr C for a hackney/private hire vehicle driving licence. The Sub-Committee was asked to consider the application in accordance with what relates to an individual's suitability to be a private hackney/hire vehicle driver.

 

The Licensing Authority recommended that the Sub-committee should refuse the application.

 

The applicant was invited to elaborate on his application and personal circumstances. He was also asked to explain why he was arrested which then led to the revocation of his taxi driver's licence in January 2025.

 

In response to a question as to why he had not appealed Flintshire County Council's decision to revoke his licence given that there was 'no further action' due to 'evidential problems' after his arrest, he stated that he was suffering stress as a result of the incident and had no desire to return to the post and face Council officers. By now, he indicated that he needed a job and that he was considering a move to another area.

 

In response to a question as to why necessary information was not disclosed on his application form, he stated that he had no reason to do so apart from the fact that he was uncomfortable and was worried that it would mean he couldn't gain future employment. He added that he had not received a conviction and was not guilty of a crime.

 

It was RESOLVED that the applicant was not a fit and proper person to be issued with a hackney carriage/private hire 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' 

·      Individual Suitability Guidelines

·      The Report of the Licensing Department

·      The applicant's application form

·      The Applicant's DBS

·      Copy of the applicant's driving licence

·      The report of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency

·      Flintshire County Council's statement

·      Cheshire Police's Statement

·      Verbal observations by the applicant

 

Specific consideration was given to the following matters:

 

Background

 

In January 2025 the applicant was arrested for sexual assault, in contravention of section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003. In the same month his licence was revoked by the relevant Authority as they were not satisfied on the basis of probability that he remained a fit and proper person to hold a licence.

 

In April 2025 an  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7