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The following motion had
been submitted by Councillor Javaid.
“The motion is
being raised to consider and update the current licensing practice
for service providers that facilitate the taxi sector.
These companies provide
licensed taxis that are maintained and insured and are ready to be
driven by licensed taxi drivers to rent or as replacement courtesy
vehicles. The public hire vehicle license is usually issued in the
company name, which then assigns a licensed taxi driver to that
vehicle, which is then informed to the council. This practice helps
taxi drivers and the taxi business/trade.
Over the last few years,
the council (Local Licensing team) has been insisting that only a
licensed taxi driver can hold the vehicle license, which is causing
multiple issues for drivers and service providers.
This practice is not
well thought out and is limiting the options for our local drivers
to work. We host a large number of taxi drivers who live in our
borough and work in the neighbouring borough.
I propose the council to
look into some of the highlighted issues created due to this
practice and consider this matter from all angles and conclude a
workable solution for service providers by letting them have the
licenses in the company name (Service Provider). This update will
make the process practical for such operators/service
providers.”
The Mayor advised the
Council that, in view of the technical nature of the motion, it had
been agreed that the issue would benefit from further discussions
with Officers.  If any reconsideration
of the Council’s current Licensing Policy was considered
appropriate, a meeting of the Licensing Committee would be
convened.  Councillor Javaid had
therefore agreed to withdraw the motion.