ROUND THE COUNCILS HIGHLAND:


HARLOW: NO CONFIDENCE VOTE PASSED


Highland Council has voted 56 to 6 in favour of a vote of no confidence against five councillors who previously voted to let jailed rapist David Brown keep his taxi operator licence. The controversy began when six male members of the licensing committee voted on 23 June against revoking the taxi licence held in Brown's name. Council convener Bill Lobban stated that these members showed a “catastrophic failure of judgement” and sent a message that women's safety was of secondary consideration. Council leader Raymond Bremner added that it was difficult to understand how the committee members could have failed the community in such a way. Defending the initial decision, some councillors argued they wanted to support Brown's wife, who needed the taxi operator licence to continue working herself after her husband was imprisoned. Councillor Chris Birt defended his actions during the heated September 17 debate by saying, “Even if we are deemed to be wrong, we did please a few people.” Councillor Duncan Macpherson claimed he was placed in an “impossible position” because he could not disclose confidential details discussed during the private, quasi-judicial licensing meeting. Opposing members argued that public safety must always come first. Councillor Emma Knox maintained that the core issue was simply “whether a man convicted of a rape committed in a taxi remained a fit and proper person to hold a taxi operator's licence.” Councillor Lyndsey Johnston warned that the controversy had “very, very seriously damaged that confidence and brought this council into disrepute.” Following public exposure by the press and subsequent fallout, one member, Willie Mackay, resigned entirely from the council, while four others stepped down from the licensing committee. However, Councillors Birt and MacPherson have refused to resign from their elected council positions, and John Grafton indicated that quitting remains an option under consideration. In response to the mass resignations, Highland Council has appointed a completely new line-up of members to its licensing committee and licensing board to help restore public trust, with incoming members required to undergo training and sit an exam.


PHTM OCTOBER 2026 SUPPORT PACKAGE FOR CABBIES


Harlow Council has announced a comprehensive support package designed to protect and assist the town’s licensed HC drivers through the disruption caused by major town centre regeneration works. The initiative recognises the vital service provided by local cabbies and aims to position the taxi trade at the centre of a revitalised Harlow featuring new restaurants, bars, nightlife, and entertainment from morning until night. The assistance package includes direct financial support through grants alongside a temporary period of free licensing for drivers. In addition to monetary relief, the council is investing heavily in new taxi infrastructure by


improved ranks across the town, including a dedicated main black cab rank positioned at the new bus station.


Announcing the measures, Cllr Dan Swords, Leader of Harlow Council, said: “Our black cab drivers provide an incredibly important service to Harlow. As we rebuild the town centre, we know construction creates disruption. That is why we’re backing our drivers now with financial support, while building the new ranks and infrastructure they need to thrive in the future. “We’re creating a busier, more vibrant Harlow – and that means huge opportunities for our taxi trade. “A thriving town needs a thriving taxi trade. We’re backing ours and putting black cabs at the heart of the new Harlow as we Build Harlow’s Future.”


SOUTHEND: OVERHAUL OF TAXI STANDARDS


Southend City Council’s cabinet met on 7 September, to review a sweeping package of reforms that will reshape transport and public services across the city. Among the central proposals is a new taxi licensing policy that would set one framework for driver conduct,


vehicle standards, safeguarding and


operator responsibilities. It would introduce penalty points for licence holders alongside mandatory requirements for disability- awareness training, enhanced criminal record checks, and verified English-language skills. Councillors will be asked to approve the policy and recommend it to the full council for final adoption.


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