Miscellaneous Licensing Committee - 12 September 2025

**Procedural matters** – The meeting began with a report from the Democratic Officer on the emergency evacuation and domestic procedures. The minutes of the Miscellaneous Licensing Committee meeting of 15 August 2025 were corrected to show a start time of 10:30 am (instead of 10:00 am) and were approved after a motion by Councillor Cador and seconded by Councillor Pascoe. In accordance with the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public were excluded from consideration of items that involved exempt information about individuals. The Chairman noted an urgent item and the Committee took a comfort break from 11:48 am to 11:58 am; Councillor Batters left the meeting at 11:20 am.

**Refusals of new licences** – The Committee refused two applications for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle driver licences. Applicant WD207, who was absent but submitted a written statement, was denied on the basis that the applicant was not a “fit and proper” person, citing a caution for an offence and failure to attend the hearing. Applicant WD209, who attended with a representative, was also refused. The Committee considered medical reports, a confirmed DVLA Group 2 fitness, but placed greater weight on nine penalty points for three driving offences and concluded that the applicant did not meet the “fit and proper” standard required for public safety.

**Renewal with conditions** – Applicant CD287 applied for renewal of an existing licence and attended the hearing. The Committee agreed to grant the renewal subject to the receipt of satisfactory stress‑echocardiogram and myocardial‑perfusion‑scan results, as recommended by a consultant cardiologist. The members judged that the additional medical testing was proportionate and that the licence could be issued provided the tests confirmed fitness for the role; any adverse findings would trigger a further hearing.

**Further refusal and overall outcome** – The final application considered was from W1D166, who was not present. The Committee refused the licence, citing a recent conviction and caution for a violent offence, six penalty points for speed‑limit breaches, and an ongoing suspended prison sentence. Guidance on the Council’s suitability guidelines and HR Safeguarding advice supported the decision. In total, the Committee approved the corrected minutes, excluded the public for sensitive items, refused three new licence applications, and granted one renewal conditional on additional medical evidence.