Here is a summary of the items scheduled for discussion at the General Licensing Sub Committee 1 meeting on Monday 20 October 2025. The main item for discussion is matters relating to private hire and Hackney carriage licences. The meeting will also discuss excluding the public and press from the meeting due to the confidential nature of the information to be discussed.

Exclusion of Public and Press

The committee is scheduled to consider a motion to exclude the public and press from the meeting. The reason given is to avoid the disclosure of exempt information under Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972¹, specifically relating to individuals.

Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Licences

The General Licensing Sub Committee 1 is scheduled to discuss applications and complaints related to licences issued by Sandwell Council for private hire and Hackney carriage drivers, vehicles, and operators.

The report pack states that the sub-committee can take the following actions:

• Grant licences
• Refuse licences
• Revoke licences
• Suspend licences
• Issue warnings

The report pack states that each case will be considered on its merits, taking into account the Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Licensing Policy, guidance from the Institute of Licensing, guidance from the Department for Transport, and any evidence presented by the applicant.

The report pack also outlines the legislation that will be considered, including:

• Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976²
• Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982
• Town and Police Clauses Act 1847
• Town and Police Clauses Act 1889
• The Policing and Crime Act 2009
• Deregulation Act 2015
• Road Traffic Act 1985
• Road Traffic Act 1988
• Road Safety Act 2006
• Transport Act 1980
• Transport Act 2000
• Immigration Act 2016
• Disability Discrimination Act 1995
• Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1995
• Fraud Act 2006
• Equality Act 2010
• Health Act 2006
• Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Safeguarding and Road Safety) Act 2022
• Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022

The report pack highlights the importance of public safety when considering licensing decisions. It includes a set of questions to determine whether an individual is a fit and proper person to hold a licence. For drivers, the question is:

Without any prejudice, and based on the information before you, would you allow a person for whom you care, regardless of their condition, to travel alone in a vehicle driven by this person at any time of the day or night?

Similar questions are posed for vehicle proprietors and private hire operators, focusing on their trustworthiness and ability to prevent the use of vehicles for criminal purposes.

The report pack states that the council aims to ensure the communities of Sandwell feel safe and protected. It says that licensing decisions contribute to community safety by preventing and reducing crime.