Decision details

Extension of Taxi Driver Safeguarding Training

Decision Maker: Deputy Chief Executive

Decision status: For Determination

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Purpose:

Early in 2022, the Full Licensing Committee amended the Councils Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy to include the mandatory requirement for all licensed drivers (current and new) to complete an Essential Safeguarding Course via a Council nominated provider no later than 31st March 2023.

It has become apparent that at least 400 drivers have failed to complete this course and will not meet the deadline. Demand is now outstripping supply and an extension to the deadline until 30th September 2023 is now sought. The primary purpose of the taxi licensing regime is public safety and failure to complete this may compromise this objective.

The Licensing Chair (Cllr Irvine), Vice Chair (Cllr Ali) and Cabinet Member (Cllr Jhans) have all given their approval to the extension.

Decision:

Extend the timescale for completion of the Essential Safeguarding Course (Taxi Drivers) via a Council Nominated Provider no later than 30th September 2023.

 

The Deputy Chief Executive took the decision on behalf of the Head of Community Services (whilst a vacancy for that post remained).

Alternative options considered:

Option 1 - Extend until 30th September 2023 to meet Safeguarding and public safety objectives

Publication date: 20/03/2023

Date of decision: 17/03/2023