Decision details

The Council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy 2016 cites:

‘Officers are not empowered to refuse an application for a licence. Accordingly where an application for the grant of a hackney carriage licence is made when the vehicle in question is more than 5 years old, the application must be referred to the Licensing Sub-Committee for consideration.
The presumption is that licences will not be granted for vehicles over 5 years old, but each application will be considered on its own merits. Factors such as the condition of the vehicle, and the mileage will be relevant.’

Vehicle proprietors have requested to surrender vehicle licences in light of lack of trade due to Covid-19, however are concerned by the above and whether they will be able to licence their hackney carriage vehicles again if they are in excess of 5 years old.

In terms of a derogation it is suggested that the Council should provide assurance to vehicle proprietors that if a licence is surrendered, and provided an application is received for a further grant of the same vehicle in 2020/21, then this Policy requirement will be waived.

Covid-19 is impacting the UK at an unprecedented rate, and the usual systems available to implement policy changes via Licensing and Community Safety Committee, Strategy and Resources Committee and Full Council are not expedient. Given the circumstances many of these meetings are compromised due to social distancing precautions being now in place.

Background paper used: North Devon Council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy 2016.

Option 1 - As above
Option 2 - none
Option 3 -none