Decision details

The Director of Communities and Environment submitted a report that proposed arrangements for the implementation and review of a new Suitability Policy for applicants and licensees of drivers of taxis and private hire vehicles.

In response to a Member’s enquiries, it was confirmed to the Board that all the other Licensing Authorities in West Yorkshire together with the City of York had signed up to the this policy. Members also received an update on the work being undertaken with the aim of ensuring that a consistency of approach was taken towards the enforcement of the policy by the relevant Licensing Authorities.

Responding to an enquiry, it was confirmed that Councillors and MPs were not permitted to act as referees for those applying for taxi or private hire licenses in Leeds. With regard to the other Licensing Authorities in West Yorkshire and the City of York, officers undertook to provide the Member in question with further information on the approach taken by those Authorities.

In conclusion, it was acknowledged that Leeds’ approach in this area was more robust than some Authorities and given the cross-boundary nature of the issue, the importance of consistency across neighbouring authorities was highlighted. Finally, it was noted that representations would continue to be made to Government regarding the concerns which existed in terms of the national policy in this area.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report, be noted;

(b)  That the Suitability Policy, as appended to the submitted report, be approved, which is to be implemented by Taxi and Private Hire Licensing within two months of this Executive Board meeting.