The Sub-Committee of the Licensing Committee was scheduled to convene to discuss taxi licensing matters. The agenda included several licensing hearings and a review of the council's policies related to licensing, infringement points, and convictions. Councillors were also expected to exclude the press and public from parts of the meeting.

Taxi Licensing Hearings

The Sub-Committee of the Licensing Committee was scheduled to hold three licensing hearings related to taxis. The details of these hearings were contained in reports from the Chief Executive, but these reports are not available to the public.

RVBC Licensing Policy

The Sub-Committee of the Licensing Committee was scheduled to review Ribble Valley Borough Council's (RVBC) licensing policy for hackney carriage and private hire drivers and vehicles.

The RVBC Licensing Policy outlines the requirements and guidelines for new applicants, existing licence holders, and members of the public. It states that the council aims to regulate the hackney carriage¹ and private hire² trade to promote public safety, a professional industry, and efficient transport.

Key objectives of the licensing policy include:

• Protecting public safety
• Maintaining a professional and respected hackney carriage and private hire profession
• Increasing access to efficient and effective transport

The policy covers a range of topics, including:

• Information Sharing: The council will share information with other enforcement bodies when lawful, in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998³.
• Quantity Restrictions: The council limits the number of hackney carriage vehicles licensed to 53, with some designated as wheelchair-accessible.
• Age Restrictions: The council sets a minimum age of 21 for drivers but does not have a maximum age, assessing applicants on their merits.
• DBS Certificates: Applicants must undergo Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks⁴, with enhanced checks for drivers and basic checks for proprietors and vehicle/operator licence holders.
• Overseas Criminal History Checks: Applicants who have lived outside the UK for six months or more since age 10 must provide a Certificate of Good Conduct from each relevant country.
• Relevance of Convictions: The council assesses applicants' suitability based on their conviction history, considering the nature of the offence, circumstances, and periods of good behaviour, in line with the council's Statement of Policy and Guidelines on Relevant Convictions.
• Driving Licences: New drivers must have held a UK driving licence (or equivalent) for at least one year prior to application.
• Driving Standards Test: Applicants must pass a driving standards test, such as the Diamond Advanced Motorists test.
• Right to Licence: The council checks that all applicants have the right to work in the UK, as required by the Immigration Act 2016⁵.
• Medical Standards: Applicants must submit a Group 2 medical form completed by their GP, with annual renewals required for drivers over 65.
• Vehicle Standards: Vehicles must meet specific standards, with the age of the vehicle determining the licence term.
• Signage Conditions: Hackney carriages and private hire vehicles must adhere to specific signage requirements.
• Licence Fees: Fees are set to cover the costs of inspections, hackney carriage stands, and regulation of the trade.

The policy also details specific requirements for hackney carriage drivers and vehicles, private hire operators, and private hire drivers and vehicles. Appendices to the policy outline conditions for vehicle licences, operator licences, driver licences, and byelaws relating to hackney carriages.

RVBC Infringement Points Scheme

The Sub-Committee of the Licensing Committee was scheduled to review Ribble Valley Borough Council's (RVBC) Infringement Points Scheme for private hire operators, vehicles and drivers.

The RVBC Infringement Points Scheme outlines how the council addresses offences or breaches of licence conditions. Points are assigned based on the severity of the violation, with a maximum of 12 points issued for any single occasion.

Key aspects of the scheme include:

• Point Allocation: The Electoral and Licensing Officer or Taxi Enforcement Officer recommends points based on the offence, subject to review by the Head of Legal and Democratic Services.
• Point Duration: Infringement points remain active for two years from the date of issue.
• Sub-Committee Referral: Accumulating 12 or more points within two years can lead to a hearing before a Sub-Committee of the Licensing Committee, where actions such as suspension or revocation of the driver's licence may be considered.
• Right to Representation: Drivers have the right to be represented at the hearing.
• Enforcement Policy: The council retains the right to cancel infringement points and address the matter according to the Enforcement Policy, especially for repeat offences.
• Appeals: Individuals can appeal the issuance of infringement points in writing within 14 days to the Council's Licensing Sub Committee.

The scheme includes tables outlining specific offences and corresponding points for private hire operators, vehicles, and drivers. Examples of offences include operating without a proper licence, failing to keep accurate records, breaches of licence conditions, and various traffic violations.

RVBC Convictions Policy

The Sub-Committee of the Licensing Committee was scheduled to review Ribble Valley Borough Council's (RVBC) policy on relevant convictions for hackney carriage and private hire licensing.

The RVBC Convictions Policy provides guidance on how the council assesses the suitability of applicants and existing licence holders with previous convictions. The policy aims to ensure that individuals are fit and proper persons to hold licences, protecting the public from those with a history of dishonesty, indecency, or violence.

Key principles of the policy include:

• Individual Assessment: Each case is decided on its own merits, considering the nature and circumstances of the offence, the time elapsed since the conviction, and the individual's overall conduct.
• Fit and Proper Person: The council must ensure that drivers and operators are fit and proper persons, considering previous convictions for offences against children, dishonesty, sexual offences, traffic offences, violence, and drugs.
• Disclosure of Information: Applicants must declare all previous convictions, cautions, and fixed penalties, and the information will be treated confidentially.
• DBS Checks: The council is empowered to check with the Disclosure Barring Service for criminal records and other relevant information.
• Rehabilitation of Offenders Act: The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974⁶ does not apply to hackney carriage or private hire driver licensing, meaning all previous convictions must be disclosed and considered.

The policy provides guidelines on how different types of offences are considered, including:

• Dishonesty: Applications will normally be refused if the individual has a conviction for theft, burglary, fraud, or similar offences less than 7 years prior to the application.
• Violence: Applications will normally be refused where the individual has a conviction for murder or manslaughter. For other offences where more than 10 years have elapsed the matter will be referred to licensing subcommittee for determination.
• Drugs: A serious view is taken of any drug related offence. An Application from an Individual who has a Conviction related to the supply, intent to supply or production of drugs and the Conviction is less than 10 years prior to the date of Application will generally be refused
• Sexual and Indecency Offences: Where an Applicant has a conviction for an offence involving or connected with illegal sexual activity or any form of indecency, a licence will not be granted.
• Motoring Convictions: Applications with more than one conviction for major traffic offences within the last 7 years will normally be refused.

The policy also addresses offences under the Town Police Clauses Acts and the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, as well as offences related to drunkenness or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.