The Bassetlaw Council Licensing Committee convened on Wednesday, 3 September 2025, to address licensing matters within the district. The committee decided to suspend a combined Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Driver's licence and to refuse an application for a combined Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Driver's licence.

Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Driver's Licence Review

The committee reviewed a Combined Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Driver's Badge and resolved to suspend the licence after a period of 21 days until its expiry date. The badge holder had previously attended a committee meeting in April 2025, which was adjourned for further inquiries. The badge holder, supported by a friend, attended the meeting, as did the badge holder's previous operator.

Section 61 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 empowers the council to suspend or revoke driver's licences under certain conditions, including:

• Conviction of an offence involving dishonesty, indecency, or violence.
• Conviction of an offence or failure to comply with the provisions of the Town and Police Clauses Act 1874 or the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.
• Any other reasonable cause.

Immediate suspensions or revocations can occur if public safety is a concern, otherwise, a 21-day notice period is required.

Application for Combined Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Driver Licence

The committee considered an application for a one-year combined Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Driver's Licence and decided to refuse the application, deeming the applicant not a 'fit and proper person' to hold such a licence. A prospective employer attended the meeting to support the applicant, and members had the opportunity to question them.

The Licensing Committee must ensure that the applicant meets the fit and proper person criteria, which lacks a specific definition, but generally pertains to the applicant's suitability to drive a hackney carriage¹ or private hire vehicle, or to operate a private hire vehicle. Considerations include driving standards and experience (holding a full driving licence for at least one year), character (assessed through two character references), and physical and mental fitness (verified through a medical examination).

Outstanding Minutes List

The committee received the outstanding minutes list. The list included an item from April 2022 regarding wheelchair accessible Hackney Carriage licenced vehicles operating within the Bassetlaw District, for which the Principal Solicitor (Licensing & Regulatory) was delegated authority to investigate and conduct a consultation, with findings to be reported back to a future meeting of the Licensing Committee.

Previous Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 4 June 2025 were approved.