ROUND THE COUNCILS PENDLE:
ROW PROMPTS NO CONFIDENCE VOTE
The leader of Pendle Borough Council faces a no- confidence vote next Wednesday in a long-running row about taxi licensing.
Independent Cllr Asjad Mahmood, faces the challenge from Lib-Dems, part of the borough’s joint administration for the past two years. Lib-Dems claim a ‘red line’ was crossed last month at a full council meeting when Independent councillors and some Tories overturned a move
for the
mandatory use of a phone app for cabbies to carry out routine vehicle checks by the end of February 2025. At the meeting last month, Independent Cllr Mohammed Iqbal proposed a motion to delay the deadline, citing concerns about a potential backlog of work. He argued that with only 30 out of 800 taxi drivers signed up, enforcing the app would overwhelm the taxi committee, possibly leading to lengthy delays and driver discontent. Iqbal also raised concerns about the potential financial burden of the app fee, which could rise to £10 per week, impacting drivers struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. He questioned the necessity of the app, stating: "If this app is the best thing since sliced bread, why is Pendle the only area doing it?" Independents and some Conservatives said the taxi safety phone app was untested. Conservative leader Cllr Nadeem Ahmed called for a ‘middle ground’ approach, perhaps with paper checks. Now councillors are to hold an extraordinary meeting to consider the Lib-Dems’ push for a no-confidence vote against Cllr Mahmood. If he is removed, a new council leader will have to be voted in. Lib-Dem Cllr David Whipp, deputy council leader, said his group's demand for "improved taxi safety measures" was agreed last year but the decision to overturn the introduction of taxi safety checks this February "puts people’s lives at risk". He added: "This is an unacceptable threat to public safety that must be addressed." Cllr Whipp said his group was also calling for a re-set of other council priorities as the new Labour government prepared to reorganise local councils. Cllr Kieran McGladdery, a Tory ex-taxi licensing committee chairman, resigned in December over the row accusing some within his party of "bad conduct or bad decisions”.
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SOUTH CAMBS: LICENSING POLICY CHANGES IN FORCE
South Cambridgeshire District Council has introduced updated licensing requirements for taxi drivers in a move to enhance public safety and ensure fairness for drivers. The council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy changes came into force at the start of the year. The following changes have been agreed: Safeguarding Training: Safeguarding training for new applicants must include disability awareness and must be undertaken in a classroom setting (online or remote) by a council approved course provider. Appeal Process Revision: Applicants refused a licence will have the right of appeal to the Magistrates’ Court instead of previously to the District Council’s Licensing Panel. Competency Tests: A maximum of three competency tests may be taken before the application will be refused. A new application can be submitted after three months. Daily vehicle checks: Drivers / proprietors must undertake a daily vehicle inspection as per the DfT guidance. Vehicle Write-Offs: New licences for category A, B, N or S insurance write- off vehicles will not be permitted, to further enhance driver and passenger safety and vehicle standards. Wheelchair accessible private hire vehicles: Wheelchair accessible private hire vehicles can be licensed if they meet a minimum Euro 5 emission standards (see policy for details). Driver Handbook: The driver handbook has been deleted and replaced with more up to date real-time information on the website, which will be more relevant to the trade. There has been no change for: l The need to display plates, door signage and operator signage as Members considered it was in the grounds of public safety to retain door signage and ensure passengers accessed their correctly booked vehicle
l Emission standards for most vehicles l Executive hire exemptions The revisions were agreed in a meeting of South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Licensing Committee and came into force on 1 January 2025.
FEBRUARY 2025 PHTM
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