From the section: Private hire operators licence
How we decide if your application for a private hire operator’s licence is successful.
If all enquiries are satisfactory and are in line with our current policy, you will be invited to make payment for your licence and to make an appointment to collect it.
You will also need to sign a declaration to confirm you will read and agree to your licence conditions.
Licences will be granted for five years unless there are exceptional reasons to grant for a shorter period. These reasons include (but are not limited to):
If there is information on the DBS certificate that does not meet current policy criteria, you will be invited to discuss the matter with either:
This will always be the final stage in the application process, to ensure all relevant issues are being considered.
In all cases, to help the decision maker, you may wish to provide a written personal statement and/or references. In your personal statement you should outline any explanation for your circumstances and illustrate what you feel makes you fit and proper to hold a licence.
Any personal, family or financial worries cannot be considered as the only matter we are concerned with is whether you are safe and suitable to hold a private hire operator’s licence.
These are members of the team who will investigate any queries about your application and have the authority to issue warnings and advice regarding certain matters.
You will usually be invited to the office to discuss the matter, and the officer will then follow this up with written confirmation, via email.
This is where the investigating officer will make a referral about your case to a panel of two or more officers. You will be invited to speak with them to put forward any mitigation and answer their questions.
You will be sent a copy of the report in advance.
This is a panel of three to five elected councillors who sit on a regular basis to hear or review application. You will be invited to the meeting to put forward any mitigation and answer their questions.
You will be sent a copy of the report in advance.
Both the officer panel and the licensing sub-committee can grant or refuse your licence. Their decision will be sent to you by email within 14 days of the decision being made.
You have the right to appeal to Magistrates against the refusal of a licence application.
This must be done in writing within 21 days of you being notified of the decision.