Agenda item

To consider the proposed updates to the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy, following feedback and a full review by Senior Management. This report was recommended by the Environment Overview and Scrutiny meeting held on 13 January 2026.

Note:  Councillors Tim Harrison, Habib Rahman, and Rhea Rayside left the Council Chamber for the duration of this item.

Members considered the refreshed Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy, which had been recommended to Full Council by the Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee at their meeting on 13 January 2026.

SKDC had a requirement as a Licensing authority to be responsible for public safety and be transparent and consistent in its decisions. The last review of the Policy took place in June 2024, and the decisions at that time reflected the guidelines that the Government produced in 2023. Subsequently, feedback was received from taxi drivers, elected members and taxi operators requesting a further review.

The issues raised included comparisons with neighbouring authorities, concerns about costs, and the issues that had been reported nationally. SKDC had written to Government on the topic of taxis.

Workshops had taken place with taxi drivers, there were further reviews of the Policy, and there had been the opportunity for stakeholders to further shape the Policy. There were plans to increase the number of staff available to SKDC to assist with the enforcement of taxi licensing.

The ‘Knowledge test’ had been removed from the policy. The English test had been retained but would no longer be a cost to the applicant in most circumstances. The first test was free; however, any subsequent test would require payment. A further change was the introduction of a 1 year licence.

The draft Policy had been considered at Licensing Committee as well as Environment OSC.

The following information was highlighted during debate:

·            Any minor amendments to the Policy, for example grammatical changes or updates to legislation could be dealt with through a delegation to the Chief Executive.

·            An amendment to the Policy was proposed and seconded:

All private hire limousines, taxis and hackney carriages licensed by South Kesteven District Council must be ?tted with an approved CCTV system”

Any CCTV system must:

-       Be installed and maintained in accordance with relevant

data protection legislation and with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) Guidance 

-         Be operational at all times when the vehicle is being used for licensed private hire purposes

-         The purpose of this requirement is to enhance passenger and driver safety, support safeguarding obligations, deter criminal and inappropriate behaviour, and assist investigations where allegations are made.

It was explained to the proposer that the Policy had been extensively consulted on without this amendment being present. Therefore, if this amendment were carried there would be a requirement to re-consult with the inclusion of this text. The proposer and seconder therefore withdrew the amendment and were advised to raise the issue with the Chairman of the Environment OSC.

Having been moved and seconded, and following a vote it was AGREED:

DECISION

That Full Council:

1.           Approve and adopt the refreshed Hackney and Private Hire Licensing Policy.

2.           Agree that the Constitution is amended to provide delegated authority to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Corporate Governance and Licensing, to make minor amendments to this Policy.