This sounds quite dramatic - and maybe a tad draconian - but not sure if it's really just tightening up things a tad, or if maybe this council is simply years behind the curve, and just catching up a bit
'Zero-tolerance' taxi licensing laws to be discussed for Conwyhttps://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/new ... sed-conwy/CONWY County Council will consider a “zero tolerance risk approach” when safeguarding children and vulnerable adults when considering taxi and private hire driver licences.Councillors will next week debate changes to the authority’s policy on criminal convictions and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for taxis and private hire driver licences.
The policy provides guidance on the criteria used in determining whether an applicant or an existing licence holder is a “fit and proper person” to hold a hackney carriage and/or private hire licence.
Licensing officers are recommending several amendments to the existing legislation.
The proposed changes include prioritising the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults through what the report describes as a “zero tolerance risk approach”.
The revised policy would also require applications to remain on hold until the conclusion of any relevant legal proceedings and would allow safeguarding-related intelligence and non-conviction information to be considered in decision making.
Other proposed changes include updates to the council’s suspension procedures and a “mandatory enhanced” DBS checks.
The legislation change will also include “barred list checks” and a requirement for all licence holders to remain subscribed to the DBS Update Service register throughout the duration of their licence.
The plans are set to be discussed on Monday, July 20, at Conwy County Council’s General Licensing Committee meeting at the authority’s Coed Pella HQ in Colwyn Bay.