The Licensing Panel of North Northamptonshire Council convened on Friday 31 October 2025 to address several licensing matters. Councillor Denis McLean was elected as chair for the hearing. The panel addressed the fitness of a private hire driver to hold a licence, and also considered two applications for private hire driver licences, approving one and refusing the other.

Private Hire Driver Licence Application for Mr SM

The panel resolved to approve the application for a private hire vehicle licence for Mr SM. The decision was based on the belief that Mr SM had changed his behaviour, with the support of his partner and family, and had been open and honest about his previous issues.

The panel considered several factors, including the report from Rita Groves, Licensing Officer for North Northamptonshire Council, representations from the applicant and his associate, the provisions of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, and the council's Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy.

The panel acknowledged Mr SM's honesty and the support he received from his family and future employer. They believed he had demonstrated a commitment to continue on his positive journey. The applicant was reminded that being a taxi driver was a responsible position.

Private Hire Driver Licence Application for Mr SC

The panel resolved to refuse the application for a private hire driver licence for Mr SC. While the panel appreciated the applicant's honesty and sympathised with the challenges he faced, they noted the strict rules under the DVLA Group 2 requirements. Mr SC was informed that he could reapply in the future.

The panel considered the report from Ms Groves, representations from the applicant, the provisions of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, and the council's Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy.

The panel acknowledged the applicant's honesty and the challenges he was dealing with in his life, but noted that applying for a Private Hire Drivers licence was a significant responsibility, particularly in relation to public safety. The decision was made in adherence to the DVLA Group 2 Standards of Medical Fitness requirements.

Consideration of Fitness to Hold a Private Hire Driver Licence for Mr WZ

The panel resolved to award six penalty points to Mr WZ's taxi licence under the Licensing Authorities Penalty Points Scheme, as outlined in the North Northamptonshire Council Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy (Appendix G). Additionally, Mr WZ was required to undertake an up-to-date council-approved driving course within two months.

The decision was made after considering a report from Ms Groves, representations from the licence holder, the provisions of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, and the council's Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy.

The panel considered the fact that Mr WZ had received eight points on his DVLA licence for driving without due care and attention and for failing to stop after an accident. They also noted that Mr WZ had failed to inform the council of the incident, which contravenes the licensing policy.

The panel acknowledged Mr WZ's honesty and response to questions, as well as the length of time he had held a licence. However, they concluded that public safety was of paramount concern and that the standards expected of Private Hire Drivers needed to reflect that. The panel also noted that there was no sufficient reason as to why the council had not been informed of the accident within 72 hours, which is a condition of his licence.

Councillor Liane Robinson seconded the proposal that the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of this item, as it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information.