Rejected taxi and private hire vehicle driver licences in Buckinghamshire spikes and rise in fees approved

The number of rejected taxi and private hire licence applications in Buckinghamshire has surged over the past year it was revealed during a recent Licensing Committee meeting.

From October 2023 to September 2024, the council refused 53 applications, compared to 20 refusals in the previous year. This data, presented during a committee meeting on Thursday, sparked concern among councillors and prompted a deeper investigation.

Councillor Nick Southworth described the increase as “staggeringly high” and questioned whether the change stemmed from new processes or an influx of unsuitable candidates. Simon Gallacher, the council’s principal licensing officer, admitted there was no clear explanation but suggested improved online complaint reporting could be a factor. He noted a general rise in complaints received, which may have influenced decisions.

Lindsey Vallis, service director for integrated transport, highlighted that the council had undertaken extensive investigative and enforcement efforts. A report confirmed that common grounds for application rejections included motoring offences, dishonesty, violence, and safeguarding concerns.

In the same meeting, the licensing committee approved a 5% increase in taxi fees as part of the council’s 2025/26 budget plan. This adjustment, intended to maintain a cost-neutral service, will be subject to further approval next month. The council has justified the rise as necessary to recover costs associated with maintaining the service, enforcing standards, and addressing non-compliance.

Councillors stressed the importance of upholding public safety through robust scrutiny of applicants while balancing the need to ensure a fair process. The council’s licensing policy, revised in 2021, has introduced stricter controls and standardisation across the region, aiming to enhance service quality and compliance.

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