Miscellaneous Licensing Committee - 18 September 2026

The Cornwall Council Miscellaneous Licensing Committee met on a date not specified in the minutes, with Councillor Batters presiding. The meeting began with declarations of interest: Councillor Ball noted that the applicant for agenda item 8 (WD232) lived in his division but he did not know them, and Councillor Pascoe made a similar declaration for the applicant of agenda item 10 (WD238). The minutes of the previous meeting on 21 August 2026 were approved and signed. The committee then resolved to exclude the press and public for the consideration of exempt business relating to individuals, as permitted under the Local Government Act 1972.

The committee considered four applications for hackney carriage and private hire vehicle driver’s licences. Two applications were granted. For applicant WD239, the committee noted previous speeding offences, including a 28-day disqualification and three penalty points. However, members acknowledged that the earlier speeding conviction had just expired, that the disqualification was not for “totting up,” and that the applicant had since completed an advanced driving course and a taxi assessment. On balance, the committee found WD239 a fit and proper person and granted the licence. For applicant WD232, the committee considered previous driving offences and a safeguarding check that raised no concerns. After hearing from the applicant about the circumstances of his offending and career history, members concluded he was a fit and proper person and granted the licence.

Two applications were refused or revoked. For applicant E1D223, the committee revoked his existing licence with immediate effect, citing driving without insurance and a previous warning letter when the licence was granted in May 2024. Members held that drivers are responsible for ensuring their vehicle is insured and found E1D223 not a fit and proper person, concluding they would not allow a person in their care to travel alone with him. For applicant WD238, the committee refused the application after noting previous convictions and a report from his current licensing authority that raised serious questions about his conduct. Members determined he was not a fit and proper person and that refusal was reasonable and proportionate to protect public safety.

Throughout the decisions, the committee applied the Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards and the Council’s Statement of Practices, Procedures and Policy. The committee’s overriding duty was to consider public protection and safety. The meeting adjourned briefly between 11:17 and 11:25 after the E1D223 item. All resolutions were moved, seconded, and carried as recorded.