The Licensing and Appeals Sub Committee Hearing Panel of Manchester Council met on Monday 20 April 2026 to review several Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver Licences. The panel made decisions on the licences of CFP, DK, EFES, JPM, JM, MAA, QS, RIN, WS, and IM, with outcomes ranging from licence revocation to warnings and deferrals.

Licence Reviews and Decisions

The panel considered a number of individual licence reviews, with decisions made based on the Council's Statement of Policy and Guidelines and statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards.

CFP - Hackney Carriage Driver Licence Revoked

The Hackney Carriage Driver Licence held by CFP was revoked with immediate effect due to public safety concerns. CFP was unable to attend the hearing as they were in prison for fraud. The panel was satisfied that there was a risk to public safety if CFP retained their licence.

DK - Warning Issued for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver Licences

DK received a warning regarding future conduct for their Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver Licences. This followed a review of their licences due to a conviction for a CU80 offence, which resulted in 6 penalty points. DK had failed to inform the Licensing Unit of the conviction promptly, citing personal matters and family care as reasons for the delay. The panel accepted DK's explanation for the delay and considered the conviction to be an isolated incident, departing from guidelines due to no perceived risk to public safety.

EFES - Private Hire Driver Licence Suspension Upheld

The suspension of EFES's Private Hire Driver Licence was upheld until EFES can pass the required Class II medical assessment. EFES was unavailable to attend the hearing due to being in hospital. The Licensing Unit had suspended the licence upon being made aware of a medical condition, and the panel was satisfied that EFES was unable to drive a private hire vehicle due to this condition.

JPM - Hackney Carriage Driver Licence Revoked

The Hackney Carriage Driver Licence held by JPM was revoked with immediate effect on the grounds of public safety. JPM did not attend the hearing, and the panel proceeded in their absence. JPM had a conviction for driving a motor vehicle with excess alcohol, resulting in a 14-month driving disqualification. JPM's licence had been suspended by the Licensing Unit, and their vehicle licence had since lapsed. The panel noted that JPM did not currently hold a DVLA Driver's Licence and agreed that JPM was no longer a fit and proper person to hold a Hackney Carriage Driver Licence.

JM - Hackney Carriage Driver Licence Revoked

The Hackney Carriage Driver Licence held by JM was revoked with immediate effect on the grounds of public safety. JM had two recent convictions for a CU80 and obstructing a police officer, receiving 6 penalty points for the CU80. JM had a history of appearances before a Hearing Panel, with their licence having been revoked twice previously. There were also 17 complaints on JM's file, and an arrest for battery, although charges were dropped. JM argued that a single lapse in judgement should not define their behaviour and that they always prioritised passenger safety. However, the panel was satisfied that JM was not a fit and proper person to hold a licence, noting JM had pleaded guilty to the offences.

MAA - Warning Issued for Hackney Carriage Driver Licence

MAA received a warning as to future conduct for their Hackney Carriage Driver Licence. This followed a review due to receiving 6 penalty points for two separate SP30 offences and a failure to inform the Licensing Unit of the convictions within the required timescales. MAA's Trade Union representative explained that MAA was not computer literate and had experienced a genuine miscommunication regarding the notification process. The panel accepted the explanation, noting MAA needed to take responsibility for informing the Unit of any future convictions.

QS - Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver Licences Revoked

The Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver Licences held by QS were revoked with immediate effect on the grounds of public safety. QS had failed to attend the hearing on two occasions and had a history of warnings and a suspension. A further complaint had been received regarding QS, which was part of a GMP investigation. The panel was satisfied that QS had failed to modify their behaviour and was not a fit and proper person to hold a licence.

RIN - Warning Issued for Hackney Carriage Driver Licence

RIN received a warning as to future conduct for their Hackney Carriage Driver Licence. This was due to 10 complaints received in total, with 5 in the previous two years, including an altercation with another driver reported to the police. RIN provided their version of events for each complaint, stating they would not harm passengers and had a duty of respect. However, the Licensing Unit officer highlighted a pattern of behaviour and noted 3 penalty points on RIN's Licence that had not been disclosed. The panel had concerns regarding the pattern of behaviour but remained satisfied that RIN was a fit and proper person, deeming a warning sufficient.

WS - Warning Issued for Hackney Carriage Driver Licence

WS received a warning as to future conduct for their Hackney Carriage Driver Licence. This was due to further complaints regarding refusal of small fares and overcharging, following a previous suspension for similar issues. WS, supported by their Trade Union representative, provided explanations and witness statements, claiming fare refusals were due to aggressive customers and a previous assault. While the panel accepted the explanations and witness statements, they expressed concerns about the lack of behavioural modification since the previous suspension.

IM - Private Hire Driver Licence Renewal Granted with Warning

IM's Private Hire Driver Licence renewal application was granted with a warning as to future conduct. IM's licence had expired while awaiting the hearing, and they had declared a speeding offence and MS90 conviction late. IM cited a change of address and a language barrier as reasons for the delay in notification. The panel acknowledged the seriousness of the conviction but was satisfied with the mitigation provided and that IM was a fit and proper person.

MA - Private Hire Driver Licence Review Deferred

The review of MA's Private Hire Driver Licence was deferred to Monday 18 May 2026. MA had not attended the hearing, and as this was the first invitation, the panel agreed to postpone the decision.