Licensing Committee Consultation on Policies Relating to Taxi (Operator) Licences in Dundee 2024/25

1. In terms of Section 10 (3) of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, a licensing authority may refuse to grant an application for a new Taxi (Operator)  Licence "if it is satisfied that there is no significant demand for the services of taxis in their area which is unmet". This allows the licensing authority the discretion to limit the number of such licences.
2. In 2013, on the basis of that above powers, the Licensing Committee introduced a numerical limit on the availability of Taxi Licences in the Dundee City Council area. This policy has been reviewed regularly since then and the latest demand survey report is available on our website.
3. For the first time since the introduction of the limit in 2013, the demand survey is recommending that the number of licences be set at a figure which is above the current number of licences.
4. At its meeting on 26th September 2024, the Licensing Committee had regard to the report prepared by Jacobs UK Limited, who are a specialist company in the field of assessing demand for taxi and private hire car services. As at that date, there were 455 Taxi Licences in the Council area. The report is recommending a limit of 469. As of the date of this document (7th November 2024), the number of licences is now 455.
5. Following consideration of the contents of the report, the Committee decided that it should instruct a consultation to cover a number of aspects of its current policies relating to Taxi Licences, in addition to simply addressing how any new licences should be granted.
6. The policies in question are as follows (i) the Licensing Committee requires all new Taxi Licence operators to place on service an electric vehicle from an approved list; (ii) the Committee has an aim to achieve a mixed taxi fleet of 60% wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAV’s) and 40% saloon cars; (iii) the Committee has a corporate licence policy whereby it will be prepared to grant a new Taxi Licence to a corporate applicant prepared to place an electric vehicle on service as a replacement for an existing licence held by an individual licence holder. All of these policies would undoubtedly be affected by the grant of any new licences as recommended by the demand survey report. 

1. Do you agree with the recommendations in the report that a limit be set at 469 taxi licences?
2. If not, why not?
3. If the licensing committee decides that it is prepared to grant new licences, how should these be allocated? For instance, should this simply be on a first-come, first-served basis having regard to the date an application is lodged or should some other method be adopted such as a waiting list or giving priority to any particular groups (e.g., existing operators or drivers)?
4. Should there be any restrictions on the number of licences which a single applicant may apply for?
5. For which vehicle types should any new licences be granted (currently electric only) 
6. Should the committee continue to apply the corporate plate policy?
7. If so, do you think other vehicles types should be included (currently electric only)?
8. Do you think that the committee should continue to aim for a 60%/40% WAV to saloon mixed fleet?
9. If not, why not and should a different balance be chosen?
10. Are there any other aspects of the grant of taxi licences in the Dundee City Council area upon which you wish to comment?

Responses should be sent to The Licensing Office, 4th Floor, 21 City Square, Dundee DD1 3BY or by email to licensing.board@dundeecity.gov.uk by no later than 17th January 2025.